Mats Hummels has revealed that he was extremely close to joining Manchester United several times over the last few years
The 27-year old spent 8 years with Borussia Dortmund, twice winning the Bundesliga with the German side in 2010-11 and 2011-12. This summer he left Dortmund for the side where it all started for him as a youth player, Bayern Munich.
The German centre back was hot property on the transfer market over the last few years. Manchester United were linked with a move for him in nearly every transfer window, but nothing came to fruition.
Hummels, who signed a 5-year contract with Bayern Munich this summer, has now confirmed that he was close to joining the Red Devils on several occasions.
“Yes, very close,” he told the The Daily Mail, when asked how close a deal was.
“There were talks, several times in the last few years. I had offers from England or one of the three big Spanish clubs.”
“But nothing got close like from England. Van Gaal wanted me but he wasn’t the only one. It is difficult for me to play in England now. I’m 28 next month and I’ve signed here for five years.”
Manchester United eventually moved on to other defensive targets, but their struggles have been well documented over the last few years. United’s defence has looked particularly shaky this season, with Mourinho being forced to play makeshift back-lines at times consisting of four full-backs.
Had Hummels actually been signed by either David Moyes or Louis van Gaal – both of whom attempted to sign the German World Cup Winner – perhaps United’s results would have gone quite differently this season.
One of the main reasons Hummels never ended up leaving Dortmund in the past was down to current Liverpool boss, and then Dortmund manager, Jurgen Klopp. Klopp has had a huge influence on Hummels’ career, and it is unsurprising that Hummels had high praise for his German compatriot.
“We wouldn’t have had that success with another coach in Dortmund. ‘I can’t say I am a Liverpool fan, I don’t have a club in England. I just want Klopp to win. If he was coach of another team, I would support them. I cheer for Klopp!”
It looks like if there’s one person who can bring Hummels to the Premier League, it’s the Reds manager Jurgen Klopp.