Manchester United’s pursuit of a left-winger in the summer transfer window is beginning to take shape, and Kerim Alajbegovic is reportedly a target.
Left-wing has become one of the priority positions for Manchester United to strengthen during this summer’s transfer window, with Kerim Alajbegovic reportedly on the radar.
The Bosnia and Herzegovina international joins United’s interest in Said El Mala as somewhat of a cheaper, exciting, and high-potential solution.
Yan Diomande is also on United’s list, although for a much grander fee. Now, reports have furthered United’s interest in Alajbegovic; however, there is one problem.
Kerim Alajbegovic in action for Bosnia and Herzegovina
Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images
Who is your DREAM left-wing signing this summer for Man United?
Should it be a proven star or a youngster with huge talent? Name your pick…
Iliman Ndiaye, Yan Diomande, Said El Mala and mystery player
Getty Images.
Manchester United plot Kerim Alajbegovic move but Bayer Leverkusen already triggered buy-back
United’s interest in Alajbegovic goes back to Ruben Amorim, as there was talk of a potential January move that never came to fruition, as the Portuguese coach was dismissed.
Now, the latest update on this interest comes from the Bosnian outlet Reprezentacija, and this claims that United are now in contact over a move to sign the winger.
United face steep competition from Chelsea, Manchester City, and Aston Villa, with a figure of £26m said to be the fee, with a transfer in the works.
More United News
However, Alajbegovic’s rise for Bosnia and RB Salzburg comes as he is already committed to returning to Bayer Leverkusen this summer after they triggered a buy-back option, as the Bundesliga website confirmed.
The report from Bosnia mentions this, claiming that Leverkusen will be comfortable in negotiations due to the long list of suitors.
So, despite moving to Leverkusen, a move this summer isn’t off the table; it just means that he will cost a great deal more than the £7m the German side are paying to re-sign him.
It would be a shrewd and exciting move for United to make, but the issue is that his valuation could skyrocket if he performs well for Bosnia at the World Cup this summer.
If you were Man United’s director of football with £200m to spend in the summer, what would be your dream window?
Who comes and who goes?
Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Yan Diomande in graphic.
Getty Images.
Christopher Vivell’s advantage in the Alajbegovic race is now lost
United have missed a trick by letting Alajbegovic head back to Leverkusen, instead of convincing the player to wait and sign for the Red Devils.
United’s head of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, could have been key in achieving this. Vivell was formerly of RB Salzburg, where he was a scout, before also working for Leipzig, both within the Red Bull Group.
This means that he surely had the connections and ties to discuss an early move for the Bosnian, who didn’t have to re-sign for Leverkusen even though there was a buy-back clause.
Now, United have lost this advantage, as Leverkusen holds all the cards. If Ineos wants to sign the youngster, it will be for the top price.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox