Premier League giants Manchester United are expected to miss out on the signing of RB Leipzig centre-forward Brian Brobbey.
According to Manchester Evening News, Manchester United are expecting defeat in their pursuit of RB Leipzig striker Brian Brobbey, who looks set for a return to AFC Ajax. Red Devils’ manager Erik ten Hag was reported to be keen on a reunion with the attacker, but his former side look like winning this race.
20-year-old Brobbey emerged as a potential transfer target for Manchester United following reports that Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave the club. The Portuguese maverick has missed the side’s pre-season training so far and isn’t part of their touring squad to Thailand.
Ronaldo is said to be frustrated with Manchester United’s inactivity in the transfer window so far, coupled with their failure to qualify for the Champions League. The 37-year-old reportedly has his heart set on an exit, with the likes of Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain tracking his situation.
Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes is said to be actively looking for a club for his client with an Old Trafford exit imminent. This has left Manchester United searching for a replacement with several options being considered, including Brobbey.
The Netherlands Under-21 international is an Ajax youth product but lack of opportunities saw him join RB Leipzig last season. However, his spell in Germany was disappointing as the striker failed to score even once before securing a return to Ajax on a six-month-long loan in January.
Under ten Hag at the Amsterdam club, Brobbey found his form, scoring seven goals in 11 league appearances to help them secure the Eredivisie title. With the youngster flourishing under the Dutch tactician at Ajax, the latter was eager for a reunion.
Manchester United reportedly made contact with the player’s entourage but as per the aforementioned report, they expect him to join Ajax again on a permanent basis. With the Red Devils set to miss out on Brobbey’s signing, they will have to shift their focus on other targets as they rebuild ahead of the new season. Florian Wirtz of Bayer Leverkusen has emerged as an option, although signing him will not be easy.
