Manchester United have already done well in their recruitment this summer, but there is one surprise signing that would outperform most in order to replicate a global icon…
Leon Goretzka to leave Bayern Munich?
Real Madrid enticed England international Jude Bellingham to join Carlo Ancelotti’s youth-focused revolution as one of the most costly signings in the club’s history, in one of the window’s major deals.
He was coveted by many Premier League clubs, with Manchester United and Liverpool leading the charge. However, the appeal of Los Blancos proved too strong in the end, and they were all obliged to move on.
Erik ten Hag may now be able to obtain his own version of the 20-year-old maestro, with Leon Goretzka remaining on their list.
While the report in question, which was released earlier this week, expresses his intention to “100%” remain in Germany, the financial incentive and ever-improving project suggested could entice the 28-year-old to reconsider. It was reported in July that an offer of roughly €50 million (£43 million) could persuade Bayern Munich to sell.
RelatedPosts
Leon Goretzka, how good is he?
After moving to the Allianz Arena in 2018, the all-action midfielder has established himself as one of Europe’s best in his position, with steel, steadiness, inventiveness, and goalscoring power all in his repertoire.
Indeed, his previous coach, Peter Neururer, suggested:
“In my opinion, there is no one better in the world as a central midfielder or box-to-box player than him.” He is difficult to beat when he plays in the right position, on the right team, and in the right system.”
Journalist Ricardo López contributed to this:
“In a previous life, Leon Goretzka worked as a lighthouse keeper.” What a competitive beast.”
Unsurprisingly, all of his statistics support such statements, since he outperforms other European midfielders. According to FBref, he ranks in the top 1% for non-penalty anticipated goals per 90, the top 4% for assists per 90, and the top 3% for blocks per 90.
It’s that well-rounded perfection that likely contributes to the parallels with Bellingham, which FBref help to facilitate by adding the former Borussia Dortmund star to Goretzka’s’similar players’ list.
The Birmingham native is coming off a spectacular season in Germany, where his 7.40 average rating was the fifth-highest of any player in the division.
According to Sofascore, this was partly due to his identical proclivity for starring in every attribute, as he scored eight, assisted four, and maintained an 83% pass accuracy and a 67% dribble success rate, while also averaging 1.1 critical passes and 2.5 tackles per game.
There is little he cannot do, and yet Goretzka shines in all the same areas as the young diamond but has considerably more experience.
His contribution to the famous Munich club’s five Bundesliga wins and one Champions League victory was critical, as he made 179 games.
Perhaps he could follow in the footsteps of the famous Bastian Schweinsteiger, leaving his birthplace for Old Trafford and bringing a title-winning experience to Ten Hag’s developing squad.
With Bellingham off the market, Goretzka is hardly a downgrade to step into his role and assist in transforming the United team into true rivals.
