Varun Pai
Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick fan of Bayer Leverkusen ace Patrik Schick as five clubs battle for his signature
According to 90min.com (h/t The Sun), Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick is an admirer of Bayer Leverkusen ace Patrik Schick, with five clubs keen on his signature.
The 25-year-old was an incredible talent at Sampdoria, courtesy of which AS Roma signed him in 2017. The player also caught the eye of Rangnick, who got the Czech Republic international to RB Leipzig on a loan move in the summer of 2019. Last summer, he sealed a move to Bayer Leverkusen after Kai Havertz joined Chelsea.
He had a topsy turvy season last term but has taken the Bundesliga by storm in the current campaign. Schick has bagged 16 goals in 14 games, more than Borussia Dortmund marksman Erling Haaland and only three fewer than Bayern Munich talisman Robert Lewandowski. He was also the top scorer at the Euros with five goals, the same as Cristiano Ronaldo’s tally.
Thus, it is no surprise that Man City, West Ham United, Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, and Arsenal are interested in signing him. Man United gaffer Rangnick also seems to be a keen admirer. However, Leverkusen are not keen on selling as they are eyeing a Top 3 finish in the league this season. Moreover, the player has a contract until 2025 and the German club is expected to demand more than £50million for his services.
Do we need another striker?
Although we do possess sufficient talent in the frontline, Rangnick needs to conduct an evaluation of the squad. Anthony Martial is eyeing an exit in January, while Edinson Cavani will also be out of contract in the summer. Jesse Lingard is also in a similar situation as the latter. Additionally, Ronaldo will also turn 37 in February.
Thus, it would not be a bad idea to plot a move for a striker. However, Man United are also looking to complete a move for Erling Haaland, according to BILD (h/t The Express). Schick may be good this season, but the Norwegian international is four years younger than him and has been scoring for fun at the Signal Iduna Park.
However, competition for his signature is bound to be tough. Thus, if we fail to land him, it would be wise to look towards Schick. The Czech is only 25 and could lead the line for several years if he settles well in England. But as mentioned before, several clubs are also interested in luring him to the Premier League. Moreover, it remains to be seen whether Rangnick’s admiration for the player translates into a formalized offer.
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Alternatively, we could also try playing Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood or Anthony Elanga through the centre once Ronaldo departs the Theatre of Dreams. Thus, there are several options, but the hierarchy must prioritize them carefully because losing ground on the race for a star like Schick could result in strengthening a rival.
And it should be known now that a talented player, especially a goal-getter, could have several potential suitors circling him for a move. Man United should, thus, be quick and decisive with their interest if they actually want to bring him to Old Trafford. The asking price is a bit steep but with his contract running until 2025, we can’t argue with the valuation that the German club places on his head.
