in , , , ,

German World Cup Winner Says He Was ‘very close’ To A Manchester United Move

Mats Hummels

The prospect of leaving Dortmund to join Bayern Munich caused him two months of torment

German centre-back Mats Hummels says that he came extremely close to joining Manchester United in the 2013-14 season when Louis van Gaal was appointed as the manager. In his first season at the club, Van Gaal was backed quite heavily with players like Angel di Maria coming in for massive transfer fees. The club did not only focus on attacking signings, as defensive signings like Daley Blind, Luke Shaw, and Marcos Rojo also made their way to Old Trafford.

Hummels, though, could have been the stellar addition to the United line-up according to the latest admission from the player. The German has only represented Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund in his career. He came to prominence only after moving to the Dortmund in 2009. Yet, this move made him one of the most wanted centre backs across European football.

While talking to the Daily Mail, the 28-year-old said:

“Yes, [a deal was close]. Yes, yes, yes. It was close. Very close.

“There were talks, several times in the last few years. They were the offers. I had England or one of the three big Spanish clubs.

“The Spanish interest was loose, loose offers. I don’t like it that way. Nothing got close like the one from England.

“Van Gaal wanted me but he wasn’t the only one. It is getting difficult for me now to play in England. I’m 28 next month and I’ve signed here for five years.”

The interest from Spain would have primarily been from Barcelona, as the club had been actively looking for a partner for Gerard Pique. United, though, would have been able to bring in the player as a result of the Bayern Munich connections for Louis van Gaal. Despite being a Dutchman, Van Gaal spent a significant chunk of his managerial career in German football and his style of the game would have certainly appealed to a player like Hummels.

One of the main reasons for the move not happening would have been the poor injury record of the player during the 2014 campaign. The defender had just come back from a couple of months on the sidelines due to a ligament injury. It was one of the numerous ligament problems that Hummels has suffered throughout his career. If United had signed the German, they would have witnessed the player go on to suffer several more ligament problems in the last two years.

A switch to a top club once again came about in the summer after Hummels returned to Bayern Munich. At 28 years of age, he says that he is extremely settled and feeling confident about the years ahead. Bayern Munich will be able to enjoy the best years from the centre back, who has a contract until 2021. It is a virtual certainty that he will spend the best part of his career German football before thinking about a move elsewhere in the twilight of his career.

It is interesting to think about the direction United would have taken if Hummels had joined the club instead of Daley Blind or Marcos Rojo. Both players have failed to establish themselves as first-team regulars despite having cost a significant sum of money.

Written by Bharath Rammr

Andrea Belotti is a Manchester United target

Manchester United Need To Trigger £84m Release Clause To Complete The Signing Of This Italian Striker

(Predicted Lineup Included) Jose Mourinho Names His 19-Man Manchester United Travelling Squad