Manchester United are set to go head to head with Juventus in the race to sign wantaway Borussia Dortmund defender Manuel Akanji.
According to Rudy Galetti, Borussia Dortmund are on the verge of losing Manuel Akanji in the summer. The Swiss centre-back’s current contract at the Signal Iduna Park expires at the end of next season, with the player keen on leaving the club in favour of a new challenge elsewhere.
Manchester United are among the clubs keen on securing the services of Akanji ahead of the new season. But the Premier League giants can expect fierce competition from Juventus, who are involved in the chase as well, with the Italian giants desperate to find long-term replacements for the veteran defensive duo of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci.
Akanji is currently regarded as one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga. Over the past couple of years, the former FC Basel centre-back has enjoyed a massive improvement in his game, essentially becoming a defensive lynchpin for Dortmund.
With a total of 155 competitive appearances for Dortmund, the 26-year-old has also gained significant experience at the highest level of football. It is combined with his technical prowess and the ability to play the ball out from the back. Such qualities have made him an appealing target for a Manchester United side desperately looking for defensive reinforcements this summer.
Although the Red Devils did bring in Raphael Varane, it appears new coach Erik ten Hag is keen on finding the right partner for the Frenchman. Harry Maguire has not performed well at all and is currently one of the most maligned players in the Premier League.
Manchester United are also expected to offload a few of their unwanted centre-backs, with Eric Bailly recently linked with a move to Marseille. Phil Jones should leave the club as well, thus accentuating the need for a new face in the defensive unit.
Manuel Akanji fits the bill well given his experience and technical quality that could suit ten Hag’s tactical philosophy. However, Juventus being involved in the chase makes things tricky for the Red Devils, who are unlikely to prevail in their quest for a top-four finish in the Premier League come May.
Lack of Champions League action could indeed make Manchester United an undesirable option for Akanji, although the added clout of playing with Cristiano Ronaldo and former Dortmund teammate Jadon Sancho could work in their favour.
