Stars align as Ralf Rangnick ‘very interested’ in Bundesliga man, who has Manchester United ‘dream’
Manchester United have been tipped to sign Borussia Dortmund defender Manuel Akanji, who has said he has a “big dream” to play at Old Trafford.
Akanji, 26, is out of contract in 2023 and the centre-back is understood to have rejected a new deal from Dortmund. Of course Dortmund announced the free-transfer signing of Bayern Munich’s Niklas Sule earlier in the week.
In a coup, BVB have secured the Germany international on a four-year deal. Sule was looking for a new challenge away from Bavaria.
He will arrive at the club in July after his deal expires with Bayern.
Whether Akanji is concerned his playing time maybe reduced with the arrival of Sule is unclear.
But the 38-cap Switzerland international has rejected a new offer from BVB, according to Sport1 reporter Patrick Berger.
Berger says Akanji, who has recently recovered from knee surgery, has turned down €9.5m a year in order to potentially pursue a move to United. He is believed to be looking for around €12m a season to bring himself in line with the club’s top earners.
Akanji though has historically stated that he dreamed of a move to Old Trafford after signing for Dortmund in 2018.
“I have a big dream,” Akanji told NZZ. “To get as far as possible in football. Since my childhood days Manchester United have been my favourite club. I’d like to play there one day.
“But right now, that’s not an issue. I am happy at Dortmund and try to be the best possible person off the pitch.”
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Akanji rated at €30m
United are said to be looking at their defensive options with a view to making a signing in the summer.
Eric Bailly could finally leave this summer after another season of sitting on the sidelines. He penned a new deal last April after being persuaded by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that he was part of his plans.
Phil Jones could also leave Old Trafford. While Harry Maguire has struggled for form after starring for England at the Euros.
That would leave United looking for other options and Akanji, rated in the €30m bracket, could be one they turn to.
Ralf Rangnick is “very interested” in Akanji, per the source. Whether Rangnick takes over at United on a permanent basis or whether he moves into a consultant role, as planned, the German will have a big say so on transfers.
Of course United have done business with Dortmund recently after landing Jadon Sancho last summer. Sancho arrived from the Bundesliga side in a £73m transfer.
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