Transfer News: Manuel Akanji open to future Manchester United switch

Manchester United transfer target Manuel Akanji would reportedly be open to making the switch to Old Trafford from Borussia Dortmund in the future.

According to a report from German publication Ruhr Nachrichten, Borussia Dortmund defender Manuel Akanji, who has been linked with Manchester United recently, would consider a transfer to Old Trafford in the future.

The 25-year-old came through the youth ranks at FC Winterthur in his homeland, Switzerland, but made his name at FC Basel which earned him a move to Dortmund in January 2018. Since then, Akanji has been a regular at the heart of the BVB defence, racking up 112 appearances in which he has also contributed with three goals and two assists.

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It is no secret that Manchester United are eyeing defensive reinforcements heading into the summer transfer window. Indeed, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is scouring the transfer market for the ideal partner for club captain Harry Maguire. Currently, Victor Lindelof is the preferred choice alongside Maguire, but the Swede has been inconsistent at times and is struggling with a chronic back problem this term.

Furthermore, Eric Bailly continues to be plagued by injury and fitness problems making him an unreliable option for the Manchester United manager. So, bringing in a new centre-back before the next season kicks off would make a lot of sense for the 20-time English champions. To that end, they have been linked with a host of players, with on-loan Fulham centre-back Joachim Andersen being the latest on the list.

Akanji, too, is a player that is on the radars of Manchester United as per recent reports. And now, the 25-year-old is reciprocating that interest and would be open to joining the Red Devils in the future. However, the report does go on to add that a transfer is unlikely to materialise in the upcoming transfer window.

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This is because Akanji, whose contract with Borussia Dortmund was set to run out in a little over a year, has penned an extension with the Bundesliga club, prolonging his stay by an additional twelve months until 2023. But, it does mention that should the Switzerland international request for a move away and the right proposal arrives, the Black and Yellows would be willing to consider.

So, as things stand, Manchester United’s interest in Akanji may not lead to a transfer in the upcoming summer transfer window, even though the 25-year-old could have been a solid option for the Red Devils. But, the player’s desire to join the club could leave the doors open for a move in the future.