Sridhar Bhamidi
Manchester United have been handed a big boost in their pursuit of Leander Dendoncker as his agent has indicated that the player is looking for a new challenge.
The Anderlecht midfielder is keen to quit the club this summer in search of better opportunities at a bigger club. United were interested in the 22-year-old Belgium international but it was said that the Red Devils would only launch a bid next summer.
The Express quotes his agent Christophe Henrotay, indicating that the player is looking for a way out this summer.
“Anderlecht want to keep him but the kid wants a new challenge,” his agent Christophe Henrotay said.
There were reports earlier in the summer that the Red Devils had made an inquiry for the player but were knocked back by Anderlecht.
The defensive midfielder impressed with his performances last season – most notably in the Europa League against Manchester United in the quarter-final. He showed glimpses of his potential, earning rave reviews that he was ready to play at a top club.
United just scraped past Anderlecht but went on to lift the Europa League, thus qualifying for the Champions League this season. With more number of games and the need to challenge on multiple fronts, Jose Mourinho is looking to add more creativity to his squad.
Even Anderlecht’s manager has agreed previously that if a bid in the region of €25 to €30million came, it would be difficult for the club to stop his transfer.
Not For This Summer
No matter how much noise comes out of the player’s camp, a deal this summer looks like a distant dream. Anderlecht would not mind receiving their asked price but if a deal comes close in the final days of the transfer window, it makes it difficult for them to replace him suitably.
Also, Mourinho has signed Nemanja Matic from Chelsea and sees him as a pivotal presence in the defensive midfield position. Why would we spend big on Matic if he was not in the manager’s plan? Dendoncker is surely Jose’s his radar but only as a long-term option. A bid looks possible only next summer.
Even the player’s agent understands the situation and opines that irrespective of his client’s wish, an agreement with the club looks difficult.
“We’ll see if we can find an agreement with the club, but that seems difficult.”
Let’s see if we probably sign him this winter. But the chances are high that we may go for him next summer.
