Krishnan Sreekumar
Incoming Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is keen to beat Chelsea to Stuttgart defender Borna Sosa
According to German outlet Kicker (h/t Daily Mail), Manchester United’s incoming new permanent manager Erik ten Hag wants to make Stuttgart defender Borna Sosa his first signing in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Sosa moved to Stuttgart in 2018 from Dinamo Zagreb and has impressed at left-back, using his dangerous left foot to put in inviting crosses for his attackers to get on the end of. Despite his fantastic displays on the pitch, he has been unable to help his side escape the threat of relegation this term.
The Croatian is primarily a defender, but his attacking ability has found him compared to a Premier League legend. The 24-year-old has often been regarded as a new David Beckham, sporting long blonde hair and boasting of an amazing talent for crossing from the flanks.
These kinds of qualities could definitely improve the current situation at Man United, who have endured a poor campaign this time around as they look set to finish sixth in the Premier League table. Last season, they had ended up as runners-up to eventual champions Manchester City.
Pip Chelsea to sign Sosa
Aside from the comparisons to Beckham, Sosa also has another connection to the English top-flight. The 24-year-old has caught the attention of Chelsea, who were previously linked with a £25m transfer move as a potential backup for the injured Ben Chilwell.
However, United are looking to cause trouble and pip the Blues to the Croatia international’s signature. ten Hag wants to make Sosa his first signing at his new club, and add the Stuttgart star to his proposed new-look team at Old Trafford next season.
The Manchester side currently have Luke Shaw and Alex Telles as options at left-back, with the former clearly established as the team’s first choice. Telles has gotten a lot more minutes this season than expected, however, due to Shaw’s injury troubles that have plagued him this term.
The club will also welcome Brandon Williams in the summer when his loan spell at Norwich comes to an end. Having been initially sent out on loan due to the competition in the squad as well as to aid his development, it remains to be seen if ten Hag has any plans for him.
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The Dutchman seems to be keen on the attack-minded Sosa, who could offer a different dimension to his team ahead of the new campaign. While Shaw has offered support to the forward line in the past, his persistent injury troubles have proven to be an issue.
Telles, meanwhile, has not been able to nail down a starting spot for himself due to his erratic performances on the pitch. Only time will tell if Sosa’s signing could spell the end of either Shaw or Telles’ Man United career, as ten Hag looks to make major changes to the squad.
