Bayer Leverkusen frontman Patrik Schick has emerged as a target for Manchester United as they look to replace Cristiano Ronaldo.
According to Fichajes, Manchester United are keeping tabs on a list of strikers in case Cristiano Ronaldo departs from Old Trafford in the ongoing summer transfer window. The list of their targets includes Patrik Schick, who currently plies his trade for Bayer Leverkusen – who value him at €70 million – and is regarded as one of the best strikers in the Bundesliga.
Manchester United believe Schick is one of few players who has what it takes to replace Ronaldo in the coming season. The Portuguese international has recently handed in a transfer request at Old Trafford, with Chelsea among the clubs exploring the possibility to snap him up ahead of the new season.
Part of Bayer Leverkusen since 2020, Schick has become a revelation at the BayArena. In just 67 competitive matches for the Bundesliga club, the striker has racked up 37 goals, essentially establishing himself as one of the finest goalscorers in Europe.
Schick’s rapid rise to prominence came especially after an impressive campaign at UEFA Euro 2020 last year. He was the tournament’s joint top-scorer, curiously along with Manchester United’s wantaway striker Cristiano Ronaldo. The former AS Roma starlet followed up his Euro 2020 heroics by scoring 24 goals in the Bundesliga this past season.
In light of his blazing performances at Leverkusen, Manchester United are convinced the Czech Republic international could be an ideal replacement for Ronaldo. His lethal scoring prowess could make him an asset for Erik ten Hag, who often strives in the service of physical and aerial strong attackers.
The potential attacking combination between Schick, Jadon Sancho and Bruno Fernandes could breathe new life and urgency to the Manchester United frontline. They can offer an ideal balance of dynamism, craft and physicality, effectively making the Red Devils one of the most feared attacking teams in England.
However, luring Schick away from Leverkusen might not be an easy task. The forward has recently penned a contract extension at Bayer Leverkusen and is likely to remain at the club, especially following the addition of his compatriot Adam Hlozek. The two are hoping to work in tandem in the Bundesliga this coming season.
In addition to his contractual status at Leverkusen, Schick could also prove to be expensive for Manchester United. The former RB Leipzig forward is indeed valued at around €70 million, which could rule the Red Devils out of the chase. But with a chunk of the window still yet to unfold, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for the player and the club in the coming weeks.
