Varun Pai
Manchester United suffer blow in race to sign Borussia Monchengladbach ace Denis Zakaria as he eyes Barcelona move
According to Sport (h/t The Sun), Borussia Monchengladbach star Denis Zakaria is eyeing a move to Barcelona amidst links to Manchester United.
The 24-year-old has been incredible for the Bundesliga side since he made the move from B.S.C Young Boys in 2017. Making over 133 appearances in the last four years for the German club, Zakaria has gained quite the reputation and is on the radar of several clubs.
Manchester United are said to be one of the five clubs, including Juventus, Arsenal, Tottenham, and AS Roma, interested in orchestrating a move for the Swiss talent as they look to strengthen their midfield line. Paul Pogba is yet to make a decision on his long-term future at Old Trafford and Nemanja Matic’s contract will expire in 2023.
Additionally, Donny van de Beek has fallen down the pecking order and has suffered for game-time. Thus, United’s interest is understandable, given the age profile and talent of Zakaria, and he is not the only Bundesliga player on their radar, with Erling Haaland also recently linked with the Old Trafford outfit.
Zakaria to snub United and sign for Barcelona?
However, the midfielder has apparently already made his mind up about his next move. The Swiss international is looking to complete his dream move to Barcelona, who are eager on signing players from the free-agent market.
The 24-year-old will be out of contract next summer and has already rejected a new contract at Gladbach. Roma had also put forth an offer, but it was met with a similar response by Zakaria.
More Manchester United News
- Transfer News: Manchester United interested in Brazilian defender Gleison Bremer
- Napoli ace Lorenzo Insigne makes his stance clear on Premier League move amidst Manchester United links
- Micah Richards thinks that Manchester United still lacks quality in the defensive midfield to be serious title contenders.
It has been deemed that the midfielder was valued at £43million last year, and given that he had injury trouble last season, the German outfit could be open to letting him go for less than half of it if a deal is completed in January.
With Barcelona yet to make their move, United could provide an enticing offer to the Swiss and lure him to the Theatre of Dreams if they do wish to add him to their ranks.
