Manchester United have reportedly offered a lucrative four-year contract to Manuel Akanji, who could arrive from Borussia Dortmund for €30 million.
According to a report from German publication BILD, Manchester United are ramping up their efforts to secure the signing of Borussia Dortmund defender Manuel Akanji in the summer transfer window.
Akanji has been with the Black and Yellows for over four years now, having arrived from Swiss club FC Basel in January 2018. The 26-year-old has grown into a defensive pillar for the German giants. He has been one of the best-performing centre-backs in Bundesliga for a while now.
However, Akanji’s contract with Dortmund is set to expire in the summer of 2023. And, reports have indicated that the Switzerland international has already rejected a new proposal from Die Schwarzgelben as he holds out for a bigger pay packet than the €9.5 million per year deal that has been offered.
With Akanji set to enter the final year of his contract at the end of the season, Borussia Dortmund will be forced into selling him, or they risk losing him for nothing when his deal runs out. And, Manchester United have emerged as the strongest suitors of the 26-year-old, who has made 150 appearances for Borussia Dortmund.
1⃣| ? Manchester United are pushing to sign Manuel Akanji. Akanji is a Manchester United fan and dreams of the Premier League. United have made a concrete offer.
– 4 year contract,
– €15m salary.
– 30 Million offer[@berger_pj/@BILD_bvb]#BVB pic.twitter.com/46ce3fh123
— BVB Express (@BVBExpress) February 24, 2022
Manchester United strengthened their backline last summer by signing Raphael Varane. However, the Frenchman has had a slow start to life in England, with injuries hampering him. At the same time, Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire have been erratic and inconsistent, whereas the likes of Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and loanee Axel Tuanzebe are staring uncertain futures at Old Trafford beyond the ongoing season.
So, bringing in a defender of Akanji’s profile might turn out to be a smart investment for Manchester United. The Swiss star has proven himself at the highest level with Dortmund and could be ready to take the next big step in his career. Furthermore, at 26, he has his best years in front of him.
In order to snap up his services, Manchester United are now believed to have offered him a lucrative four-year deal worth €15 million per season, which will be a big upgrade on the proposal he received from Dortmund.
The Bundesliga outfit would demand a sum of around €25-30 million for their prized defender if they cannot convince him to sign a new deal. That figure should not be much of a hindrance to Manchester United. Akanji himself is believed to be keen on a move to England, and a summer transfer to Old Trafford could very well be on the cards.