Manchester United have reportedly earmarked Ajax star Edson Alvarez as an alternative to Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong this summer.
According to Fichajes, Manchester United are eyeing a move for Ajax Amsterdam ace Edson Alvarez should they fail to land Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong in the upcoming 2022 summer transfer window, with the Mexican international valued at around €30 million.
Current Ajax boss Erik ten Hag is set to take over as the new Manchester United manager at the end of the 2021/22 season. The Dutchman has a huge task ahead of him after a season of woe that has seen the Red Devils struggle to salvage any semblance of honour.
A revamp of the Red Devils’ roster is on the cards, with the midfield especially in dire need of quality reinforcements. Manchester United have already earmarked Frenkie de Jong as a major transfer target, but landing him could prove difficult. The 24-year-old is already a key part of Xavi Hernandez’s plans, and there is little reason for him to move to Old Trafford.
Should that prove to be the case, Alvarez is the man that the Red Devils will turn to. The Mexican international joined Ajax in 2019 and has swiftly established himself as a key player for the Dutch giants. Erik ten Hag will be intimately familiar with the 24-year-old after managing him over the last few seasons.
A defensive midfielder who can also double up as a centre-back, the Mexican’s ability to read the game and position himself to stop counter-attacks could prove pivotal to the Manchester United setup. Nemanja Matic is the lone specialist defensive midfielder in the Red Devils’ squad, and with his exit imminent, the club will need to bring in an able replacement.
The likes of de Jong and even Aurelien Tchouameni are certainly more accomplished talents. But with no UEFA Champions League football on offer, Manchester United will find it difficult to attract elite talent. While Alvarez is not yet a top-class player, he has enough ability to develop into the Red Devils’ midfield lynchpin.
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The Mexican international will not just add defensive nous to the roster but also bring with him leadership skills that have been sorely lacking this season. Available for around €30 million, Alvarez is an economical target who could strike it big under ten Hag. Manchester United will be well advised to take a punt at the Mexican, who can at the very least shore up their rather tactless midfield from a defensive point of view.
