Borussia Dortmund defender Manuel Akanji has rejected a new deal amid interest from Manchester United.
According to German journalist Patrick Berger, Manuel Akanji could be set for a move away from Borussia Dortmund in the summer. The highly-rated centre-back has rejected a fresh deal at Dortmund worth €9.5 million per year in favour of a move elsewhere. Akanji’s current deal in Ruhrpott expires in 2023, potentially forcing Dortmund to cash in on the player in the summer.
Berger claims Manchester United are one of the clubs keen on Akanji’s services next season. With Akanji unlikely to remain in the Bundesliga, the Premier League giants can bag his services for a fee of just €30 million, giving Ralf Rangnick a massive boost as he looks to add more reinforcements to the defensive unit.
Akanji’s decision to reject a fresh Dortmund deal comes just a few days after the club announced the shocking arrival of Niklas Sule. The Bayern Munich centre-back has agreed to join the Bundesliga giants on a free transfer next season.
Many speculate Sule was brought in to replace Akanji, who has been the best defender at the club for quite some time now. After a rusty start to his career in the Bundesliga, the Swiss international has enjoyed rapid growth in recent years, establishing himself as one of the most reliable operators in the German top-flight.
During his four-year spell at Dortmund, Akanji has racked up 148 competitive appearances for Borussia Dortmund. He notably helped the club win the DFB Pokal last season while emerging as the beating heart of the Switzerland side at Euro 2020.
The 26-year-old’s rapid ascension to the top has put Manchester United on red alert as the Premier League giants brace themselves for a summer of change. Especially in defence, the club are expected to offload Phil Jones, who was even linked with a deadline day move to Bordeaux last month.
In addition to Jones and Eric Bailly, Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has received a lot of flak for his performances lately. His calamitous display in the recent draw with Burnley didn’t earn him any favours either, and it could ultimately tempt Rangnick to add some much-needed competition for the Englishman next season.
Given his experience at the highest level, coupled with his leadership skills, Manuel Akanji could be the right man for Manchester United. The Swiss international is known for his elegant style of play, while he also offers significant quality in the build-up. And for a fee of just €30 million, he could prove to be an ideal cost-effective alternative to in-demand defensive targets such as Matthijs de Ligt next summer.
