Sky Sports: Manchester United eyeing move to sign £12m-a-year “goal-threat” after Rasmus Hojlund

According to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United are still interested in signing Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka this summer.

Are Manchester United interested in signing Leon Goretzka?

Despite the continuing Old Trafford takeover crisis, the Red Devils have been exceptionally prolific in the transfer market ahead of the 2023/24 season.

Erik ten Hag has added Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount and Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana, with Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund the next anticipated arrival in Manchester.

Following an agreement between the two teams, the Danish striker has agreed to a five-year contract at Old Trafford worth €70 million. Hojlund underwent a physical and performed media responsibilities earlier this week, and he might be in line to play in the club’s first game of the new season on August 14 against Wolves.

After acquiring Hojlund’s services, it appears that the club’s focus will shift back to adding another midfielder before the September 1 deadline, with Goretzka a possible target.

Plettenberg recently took to Twitter to provide an update on Goretzka and a possible move to Old Trafford. According to Sky Sports, the Red Devils are still interested in the midfielder, while West Ham are also interested, with Goretzka unlikely to start under Thomas Tuchel.

“Manchester United never lost sight of Leon Goretzka! Understandably, the 28-year-old is still on the club’s roster.

“Goretzka wanted to stay 100%, but the last ten days have clearly demonstrated that he will not be a starter under Tuchel for the time being.” Tuchel is working on a new “holding six” with Kimmich/Laimer. It’s a difficult scenario.

“Watch out for Manchester United and Goretzka!” West Ham still considers him a dream target.”

Who exactly is Leon Goretzka?

Goretzka is primarily a center midfielder, but he can also play defensive or attacking midfield if needed. The 28-year-old has spent his whole career in Germany, rising through the ranks of VfL Bochum’s youth until joining FC Schalke in 2013.

He made 147 appearances for Schalke before moving to Bayern Munich in 2018, where he has appeared on 179 occasions, scoring 34 goals and contributing 35 assists. Former Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann praised the player before, saying:

“Leon is one of Europe’s best box-to-box players.” He has a tremendous goal threat and understands when to burst forward.”

Goretzka, a 53-cap Germany international, is reported to be paid £12 million per year by Bayern Munich and has won 12 major titles with the club, including the Champions League.

Despite the fact that his contract does not expire until 2026, his five-year time at the Allianz Arena appears to be coming to an end. Tuchel appears to be planning on playing Joshua Kimmich and Konrad Laimer for the upcoming season and wants to sign another midfielder, so Goretzka may be open to a move to England if it ensures game time and Old Trafford appears to be a possible destination.