Manchester United could save up to £70 million this summer by deciding to sign a ‘dominant’ star from the Bundesliga.
There are several positions where Manchester United must strengthen in during the summer transfer window, particularly in the frontline.
Ruben Amorim’s side also need bolstering in the midfield and at wingback, while the search for another defender is also underway.
Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are both expected to leave the club in the coming months when their contracts expire.
United now use a three-at-the-back formation and so it makes sense as to why they are targeting an extra defender in the market.
United do not need high-cost defender this summer
Despite the need for another centre-back, United certainly do not need to break the bank for one.
There is a healthy amount of depth in that position right now, with natural centre-backs like Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt being complimented by Noussair Mazraoui and Luke Shaw, who are better suited as wide centre-backs than wingbacks in this system.
The emergence of Ayden Heaven has also made the need for a big-money signing in that position even less important.
Jarrad Branthwaite was the major target for United beforehand in this position and is reportedly going to cost at least £70 million to pry away from Everton this summer.
Instead, United can look elsewhere for more cost-efficient options which will allow United to save that money for more important positions that need strengthening.
Perfect Tah signing can save United £70m
It has been reported by Sky Sports that United are actively considering a move for Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen.
The report states that Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona are also tracking the 29-year-old but ongoing financial constraints complicates the chances of a move for Hansi Flick’s side.
Tah’s contract and Leverkusen runs out at the end of the season and he has confirmed that there are no plans for the deal to be extended.
That would mean United could pick up the defender – who has been described as “dominant in the air and composed with the ball at his feet” – for free, and that isn’t the only reason why the deal makes sense.
Tah has been part of a back three formation under Xavi Alonso in recent years and could instantly slot into Amorim’s system at Old Trafford, most likely as the central centre-back. The right-footed Tah can also play on the left or right side.
After a decade at Leverkusen, the experienced defender would also provide some leadership in a United dressing room that is likely going to bring in more young players.
Instead of spending big on the likes of Branthwaite, the perfect deal for United seems to be to try and convince Tah of joining the club as he offers some important attributes while also being a low-cost option to a position that isn’t at the top of the list of needing strengthening.
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