Manchester United make fresh contract offer for Borussia Dortmund star Manuel Akanji by offering double his salary
According to Bild (h/t The Sun), Manchester United are set to make a fresh contract offer to Borussia Dortmund defender Manuel Akanji in an attempt to secure his services at the end of the season.
The centre-back has been at Dortmund since 2018, making the switch to the Bundesliga after impressing as a youngster in his native homeland for Basel FC.
With his current deal at Signal Iduna Park expiring in the summer of 2023, United have expressed an interest in the defender after their own frailties this season. The club have dropped precious points in the league to mistakes made at the back, and need to fix this ahead of the new campaign.
The Old Trafford side only signed Raphael Varane the previous summer in an attempt to shore up the backline, but so far, the Frenchman has failed to make the impact fans expected from him. After all, this was the same player who won 4 Champions League titles with Real Madrid in the past.
Double the current salary
Given that he is out of contract next year, Dortmund are said to be willing to let him leave for the right price at the end of the season. If not, they will have to face the possibility of selling one of their first-team regulars for free in the summer of 2023.
Taking advantage of this situation, United are set to offer the Switzerland international a new contract worth £240,000 a week, which is nearly double the wages he earns currently in the Bundesliga.
Varane was signed to partner club captain Harry Maguire in defence, but neither have been particularly impressive. This season especially, Maguire has looked to be off the pace and capable of being turned inside and out by strong opposition.
Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly, and Phil Jones make up the rest of the centre-backs available at the club. Apart from Lindelof however, the other two stars have barely played this term and have been relegated to making appearances in just cup competitions.
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Only 26, signing Akanji would not only be feeling happy about snapping up a talented player in defence but also ensure that in the prime years of his playing career, the defender is playing for them.
However, they will need to perform well in the league and ensure a top-four finish to play UEFA Champions League football next season. Akanji could turn down the club if the Red Devils fail to qualify for the Champions League, so a winning streak is needed from the Manchester side until the summer.