Via REUTERS/Scott Heppell
Manchester United have made contact with Club Brugge over a deal to sign Joaquin Seys ahead of Arsenal, according to reports.
The Red Devils have prioritised a midfield rebuild this summer with the arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, while Karl Darlow and Tynan Thompson have also joined Michael Carrick's squad for the new season. But with less than a month remaining before the deadline, there is still business they want to get done.
Alongside another midfielder, United are understood to be keen on a deal for another forward and a new left-back. Newcastle star Lewis Hall is the top target, but the Magpies have ruled out a sale this summer, and INEOS are now lining up a move for an alternative option.
IMAGN Images via Reuters
According to The Sun, Man Utd have made a formal enquiry to Club Brugge over a deal to sign the highly-rated left-back.
Seys impressed for Club Brugge in the Champions League last season and earned himself a place in the Belgium squad at the World Cup, featuring in the quarter-final clash which saw them eliminated by eventual winners Spain.
The 21-year-old has emerged as a target at Old Trafford as a result of extensive scouting, but Brugge are not in a rush to sell and are understood to have placed a value of around €35m (£30m) on any potential deal.
Seys has also emerged as a target for Arsenal, who have also made an enquiry to the Belgian side. Man Utd are not expected to be put off by the asking price as they seek a long-term solution to their left-back position, with Luke Shaw now into the final year of his contract with the club.
But there is no confirmation on whether they will press ahead for a deal in this window, or instead prioritise their funds for other positions. Meanwhile, Arsenal scouts are understood to have provided manager Mikel Arteta with a detailed report on the defender, believing he would suit their system.
Described as a 'top, top talent', Seys has already made 97 appearances for Brugge, but talks surrounding his immediate future could accelerate in the coming weeks. He is currently contracted to his boyhood side until 2029.
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Joaquin Seys Champions League Stats 2025/26
Appearances
Minutes
Tackles (per 90)
Interceptions (per 90)
Clearances (per 90)
Blocks (per 90)
Leko: Seys Can Reach the Top Level
Old Trafford
Seys may still be young, but he has impressed enough to catch the attention of some of Europe's biggest clubs.
At the World Cup he had a largely backup role, but he featured for 30 minutes against Spain in the quarter-final, going directly against Lamine Yamal, and his club manager Ivan Leko insists that he is going to reach the very highest level in his career.
“He may have only played thirty minutes at that World Cup, in the quarter-final against Spain, but what a half-hour it was!" he said.
"Joa did a fantastic job against Lamine Yamal, one of the best players in the world.”
Statistics courtesy of WhoScored - correct as of 10/08/2026.