Man Utd deals agreed for Hummels & Depay? – Report
Manchester United have reached ‘tentative agreements’ with Borussia Dortmund and PSV Eindhoven respectively over the potential transfers of Mats Hummels and Memphis Depay, according to The Sunday World.
Hummels has been the focus of much speculation recently around the potential move to Old Trafford, despite the German defender having refuted reports of a promise to Sir Alex Ferguson to join United. Perhaps more importantly is the fact that Borussia Dortmund have revealed they will listen to offers for their prized center back, with a reported fee in the £30m region.
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Unfortunately, according to Borussia Dortmund’s chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke, there have been no offers to sign Hummels.
"“In this moment, this a total dummy discussion, because there is no offer.”To be clear: Mats knows his contractual situation, he described it in that interview himself. The decision where Mats will play next season will only be taken by BVB.”"
Memphis Depay is also tipped to move to Old Trafford according to the report with United looking to find a younger replacement for Ashley Young on the left wing. PSV Eindhoven’s coach Phillip Cocu has affirmed his belief that Depay will depart in the summer with United being the most likely destination.
"“I think he is ready for the next step, and I think that he will leave.” More from Manchester United Transfer RumoursReport: Anwar El Ghazi to Manchester United a possibility?Report: Saudi club makes offer for Jadon SanchoManchester United Women sign Hinata MiyazawaReport: Sergio Reguilon passes United medical ahead of loan moveReport: Lorient agree deal with Manchester United for Donny Van de Beek"
The young winger has been excellent for the Dutch side this season, scoring 19 goals in 25 appearances in the Eredivisie and adding three assists. While he may yet have work to do as far as becoming less selfish, adding him to the ranks would greatly improve the wing quality that has been missing this season. Juan Mata has filled in admirably but isn’t a natural winger, while Di Maria has struggled for most of the season.
The move makes sense on all fronts, financially, tactically and logically. While managing the Netherlands, including in last summer’s World Cup, Louis van Gaal got to see Depay’s abilities first hand. At a fee of roughly £20m, bringing in the youngster would be a bargain at this stage given his world class potential. Tactically, he’d add pace and flair to the squad and would work well with Daley Blind if he became the permanent option at left back. Should Luke Shaw remain the first choice defender, our left-flank could be sorted for the next 10+ years. With rumours of a £50 million bid for Liverpool star Raheem Sterling on the cards, this deal definitely makes much more sense.
At only 21 years of age, Depay could very well develop into the next great United winger.
Hummels would also be a big improvement to United’s defence, both technically and tactically. Having won the World Cup last summer, the Bundesliga twice and having reached the finals of the Champions League two seasons ago, the 26 year old has the experience of winning on football’s biggest stages. He would immediately offer the leadership that’s been lacking in United’s back line since Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand left last summer.
In addition to his leadership capabilties, the former Bayern Munich youth player has the technical ability to steady the defence for United. The current defence’s biggest issue is successfully moving the ball forward to the midfielders, despite having improved recently. Rojo is the best going forward, while Smalling and Jones still have room to improve. One of Hummels’ best attributes is his ability to dribble forward and distribute, an asset that would eliminate much of the miscues that have cost United goals this season.
All in all, bringing Hummels to United would be a major boost for the defence and would increase the likelihood of being in title contention next season.