Varun Pai
Transfer News: Manchester United feel Ralf Rangnick gives them an edge in the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz
According to transfer news on the Daily Star, Manchester United are expecting Ralf Rangnick to help them seal a move for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz.
The 18-year-old has taken the Bundesliga by storm in recent seasons. He made his debut in the 2019/20 season and came out with flying colours in the following campaign. The German international has carried over his fine form into the current season, scoring eight goals and providing 11 assists in just 21 appearances.
These performances have brought him to the attention of the biggest clubs on the planet. Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Man United are thought to be keen on his signature. However, Leverkusen are expected to demand £70million for his services, and Bayern are reluctant to pay that amount while Real apparently have other areas to consider.
This puts the Premier League clubs in the driving seat to land the player. But Man United believe they could hold an advantage in this race following the appointment of Ralf Rangnick. The Red Devils believe that the presence of such an esteemed German coach at the helm could convince his fellow countryman to join hands with him at Old Trafford.
An overdependence on Rangnick?
The former Red Bull sporting director has an incredible eye for talent. His scouting and recruitment process is as good as it gets and Man United have made a fantastic appointment. He will serve as interim manager until the end of the season before carrying on as a consultant at the end of his managerial tenure.
However, we cannot solely rely on his presence and negotiating power. If a German coach is what it takes to convince Wirtz to make the move to England, Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel could stake their claim for the 18-year-old to join Liverpool or Chelsea respectively.
Moreover, Bayern have often poached the best talents from the Bundesliga. Thus, while they are reluctant about the fee, they could change their stance if the player continues to go from strength to strength. Real Madrid are also 13-time European champions and have the impetus to attract the most talented individuals to the Santiago Bernabeu.
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Thus, it will take a lot to convince the German playmaker to make the switch to Old Trafford. Man United have the prestige and the platform to turn him into a world-beater, but they will need to convince him of the project, offer a lucrative contract, and beat the competition to add him to the squad in the coming transfer windows.
Given our recent lack of success, it could prove to be a difficult job, even for Rangnick.
