Despite signing as many as four defenders in the summer, Manchester United’s defensive revamp is still not complete and more changes are expected moving forward.
Both Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof’s contracts end in 2025 and they will need replacing if the club decide to move on from them.
Jarrad Branthwaite continues to be mentioned as a target but with Real Madrid’s entry into the transfer race, the Red Devils will need to act fast or risk losing out on the Englishman.
After a mid-season splurge on Erik ten Hag’s severance package and Ruben Amorim’s release clause, the club are wary of PSR concerns and the new head coach will not be blessed with a huge transfer war chest in January.
Tah chase on
And if United do not finish in the European places, even summer transfer plans might get affected. However, as per TBR Football, the 20-time English league champions have a plan.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah is set to become a free agent next summer and has already declared that he will not be signing a new deal with the current Bundesliga champions.
The Old Trafford side are ready to jump for the free agent and have even got in touch with the player’s camp with the centre-back also very interested in a move to the Premier League.
And he will not be short of suitors with the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Newcastle also eyeing the Germany international. Not only in England but also across Europe and Saudi, teams are eyeing the 28-year-old.
“Sources inform TBR Football that Manchester United and Tottenham – along with Chelsea – are involved in discussions to sign Jonathan Tah on a free transfer in 2025.
“TBR Football understand Tah could make a move to the Premier League in the summer of 2025 – with Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea believed to have spoken to the German’s representatives.
Lots of suitors
“Sources have also told TBR Football that Aston Villa and Newcastle want to sign the 28-year-old, who is open to a move to England. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Inter Milan are also keen to sign Tah – who is a rapid defender – while clubs in the Saudi Pro League are interested too.”
At this stage, Tah is not considering a move to the cash-rich Saudi Pro League and is keen to continue playing in Europe.
Amorim will be pleased if the club do sign the German as he is comfortable playing in a back-three system and that could help the others settle.
Last season, the defender played a key role as Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen won the league and cup domestic double including going unbeaten in the Bundesliga. They also reached the Europa League finals, losing to Atalanta.
Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
