Manchester United were linked last month with a summer move for Borussia Dortmund defender Dan-Axel Zagadou.
German outlet Fussball Transfers reported United had made contact with Zagadou’s agent, and claimed Ralf Rangnick was the driving force behind interest, having tried to sign the defender for RB Leipzig previously.
Zagadou is a free agent at the end of the season and the promising 22-year-old currently looks to be heading to the exit.
Dortmund nudged Zagadou closer to the exit door yesterday as they announced the blockbuster signing of defender Niklas Sule from rivals Bayern Munich, who himself is moving on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Sule, 26, is an upgrade on Zagadou right now and his arrival is a momentous one in German football as it is usually Bayern raiding Dortmund for their top players, and not the other way around.
With Mats Hummels and Manuel Akanji also as centre-back options, there does not appear to be a path to regular football for Zagadou next season at Dortmund.
Why Manchester United may want him
Niklas Sule is a fine defender and one who would have competed strongly at United. But in terms of make up of the squad, Zagadou might be the better fit in terms of a defensive player the club are looking for.
The Red Devils already have three good centre-backs likely to play a part for the foreseeable future, with Victor Lindelof, Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire. United could upgrade at some point, but it probably won’t be a priority in year one for a new manager, with midfield and striker bigger priorities.
Eric Bailly will likely move on, as will Phil Jones, and Axel Tuanzebe’s poor loan spells suggest he is a player United should finally cut loose.
This leaves room for a squad player in defence, and one at Zagadou’s age range and experience is ideal. He is 22, and has already played nearly 100 games for Dortmund.
On a free transfer, a move for Zagadou comes at no risk, for a player who would essentially be replacing Eric Bailly’s role in the squad.
The big question is whether Zagadou could be convinced to swap Dortmund’s bench for United’s. Probably, yes, as the prospect of a new opportunity in these situations is always preferable to standing still.
The Frenchman is a player who United could develop into a future starter, but ultimately any decision will rest with a new manager, the club have made that clear.
In January it appears United reached out to establish interest, and present the possibility to Zagadou, while he makes up his mind.
Sule’s arrival at Dortmund helps United’s chances of landing Zagadou, and if he is a player the new manager wants, he will come with Rangnick’s blessing.
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