Manchester United are prepared for a big summer transfer window in which several key positions need to be strengthened, including the defence.
Heading into the summer transfer window, it is Manchester United’s attack that is seen as being the priority after a campaign that has seen a struggle for goals.
Both Ruben Amorim and Erik ten Hag faced these issues, with the common denominator being the woeful attacking players at the disposal of United.
Due to United’s struggles in front of goal, a new number nine is expected to arrive early in the transfer window, with Liam Delap leading the race to be Amorim’s main man.
However, this is not the only area of improvement required at Old Trafford, with Fabrizio Romano claiming United have four priority positions, which include a new central defender.
With both Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof expected to depart for free once their respective contracts expire in June, United will need to slightly reinforce, and a free agent could provide an excellent opportunity.
Manchester United considering deal to sign Jonathan Tah
So, while bolstering the centre-back department this summer is clearly on the agenda, it likely doesn’t take priority with £62m of United’s budget being dedicated to Matheus Cunha. There is another £30m planned for Delap, not to mention that Ineos have expressed interest in triggering the £38m release fee for Franco Mastantuono.
This leaves little left to spend big on a new central defender, which could make picking up Jonathan Tah for free a very tempting deal.
The Bayer Leverkusen defender is an option, Sky Sports’ Paul Gilmour has claimed, with the German international centre-back being ‘actively considered’ by United ahead of his contract expiring in June.
United face competition from Real Madrid, where a reunification with Xabi Alonso could await Tah, while Bayern Munich and Barcelona are also in the mix of clubs showing an interest.
Back in November, Tah’s agent stated he would join a big club in the summer, with United fitting the bill for the 28-year-old. The German is a long-term target, with United showing interest in Tah last summer before signing Matthijs de Ligt, with the pair seen as being similar players.
Jonathan Tah is seen as one of Europe’s premier defenders
Long tipped as having the potential to be one of the best defenders in Europe, the past two seasons have seen Tah finally reach the potential he was thought to have.
Back in November, Liverpool manager Arne Slot heralded Tah as being the ‘best defender in Germany’ as quoted by the Metro, and this sentiment is clearly shared around Europe, considering the clubs who are seeking his signature this summer.
According to the Bundesliga website, Tah and De Ligt share many traits, with both being physical, dominant, and also having confidence on the ball.
Meanwhile, FBRef shows Tah has a pass completion rate of 93.4% over the past 365 days, which ranks in the 97th percentile among centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues.
Tah made his Germany debut back in 2016, and before doing so, Joachim Low lauded the defender, praising traits which he retains to this day but has added to his game, making him a perfect Premier League defender.
“He’s a young player with a lot of potential. He’s physically strong and very quick. Everything is possible.”
Signing Tah for free would be genius, and he’d be a sure starter for United.
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