Manchester United are reportedly considering Croatian World Cup hero Ante Rebic as a possible alternative to Willian
According to a report by The Independent, Manchester United could end the idea of signing Willian, with Jose Mourinho now considering alternatives to the Brazilian. Ante Rebic has emerged as a major target for the Premier League heavyweights, with the Eintracht Frankfurt winger coming off a stellar World Cup campaign with Croatia.
Rebic has enjoyed the two best months of his career thus far – two months that have brought him into the spotlight. The 24-year-old first scored the winner in the final of the DFC Pokal to cap off a moderately impressive campaign with Eintracht Frankfurt.
He then took it up a notch at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, scoring one of the goals of the tournament while also playing a key role in Croatia’s run to the final. His stupendous rise in these two months have piqued the interest of several clubs, most prominent among whom are Manchester United.
Jose Mourinho has been in desperate search for a winger to man the right side of the Manchester United attack. Willian has been the priority target for the manager thus far. For a long time, Barcelona seemed to be the favourites to sign him. But, the Blaugrana have signed Malcom, which should clear the path for the Red Devils.
However, his £70 million price tag has been termed as prohibitive by the Manchester United board, who opine it is too high for a 29-year-old. Chelsea too, have been unwilling to sell the Brazilian at all, let alone to a direct rival. Mourinho has thus, been forced to identify possible alternatives to Willian, with Rebic emerging as a possible target.
The 24-year-old is of the typical mould of hardworking, energetic winger that the Manchester United boss has been searching for. But, there could be a complication in his acquisition as well. While Rebic can play on the right flank, he predominantly likes to operate from the opposite side.
Another obstacle in Manchester United’s path could be the interest from Bayern Munich, who are also weighing up a possible move for the Croat. But, a move for Rebic certainly looks to be on the cards, with the player a cheaper, younger Willian alternative, who could provide a pacy outlet on the right flank.
For now, Rebic merely remains a target for Manchester United. But, with very few days left for the summer transfer window to slam shut in England, it will not be a surprise to see the Red Devils launch the offensive for the Croatian World Cup hero in the coming days.
