Borussia Monchengladbach defensive prodigy Luca Netz has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick.
According to The Sun, Manchester United are set to target multiple German talents in the near future as Ralf Rangnick looks to bring his tactical essence to Old Trafford. The club is apparently monitoring the progress of four youngsters, in particular, including 18-year-old defensive prodigy Luca Netz.
The young left-back moved to Borussia Monchengladbach during the summer transfer window after making his breakthrough at Hertha Berlin last season. He is considered as one of the best defensive young talents in the Bundesliga, thanks to his technical prowess and versatility out wide.
The Berlin native has already notched up 23 Bundesliga appearances, 12 of which came in Gladbach colours this season. Although his tally of just one assist is not overly impressive, the 18-year-old is widely considered as a future prospect with a lot of potential.
The youngster notably plies his trade for the German Under-21s and has featured in three of the four matches in the UEFA European Championship qualifying campaign. His services have been essential for Gladbach as well, especially amid Ramy Bensebaini’s injury woes. He and Joe Scally were notably the standout performers in the Foals’ win over Borussia Dortmund earlier in the season.
Manchester United’s interest in Netz likely stems from the uncertainty surrounding the future of Alex Telles. The Brazilian is unhappy with his lack of game-time at Old Trafford. He was mostly considered merely a back-up for Luke Shaw by previous manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
However, Telles’s situation has improved since the appointment of Rangnick, with the former RB Leipzig coach allowing the left-back to prove his worth in the team. But that has not deterred clubs like Barcelona from registering interest in the former FC Porto starlet, thus posing questions over the full-back’s long-term future at Manchester United. And that is where Luca Netz could come into the fray.
The 18-year-old can serve as the ideal back-up at left-back, and given his age, the German prodigy is unlikely to demand regular game-time. He may even end up making his breakthrough in the Premier League, with Shaw blowing hot and cold with his form this season.
Aside from Netz, Manchester United have also been targeting a few other German talents, including Eric Martel, Armel Bella-Kotchap and the best of the lot, Florian Wirtz. However, the Bayer Leverkusen starlet has no shortage of admirers, with Real Madrid reportedly keen on a summer swoop for the exciting playmaker.
