Manchester United are reportedly preparing a summer move for Bayer Leverkusen right-back Benjamin Henrichs. United have been in the market for a right back and Jose Mourinho has targeted the 20-year-old as a potential successor to Antonio Valencia.
Antonio Valencia has been a revelation on the right side of the defence but the fact that he is in his late thirties has forced Mourinho to look for an alternative option. Valencia is right now in his peak form but Mourinho wants to inject some fierce competition in that position. Leverkusen have not performed well in this season but particularly Henrichs has earned accolades for his performance on the right side of the defence. He has racked up 26 appearances in the Bundesliga and also has added two assists to his tally.
The German international who made his debut in the last year came through the ranks of Leverkusen before bursting on the scene in 2015. A number of clubs have already expressed their interest in the youngster and United have now joined the ranks too. His ability to play on the other side of the defence has made him a most sought after defender in the transfer market. Mourinho has been sweating over the injury of Luke Shaw and if he does sign him the German could be a temporary solution to his woes.
United scouts have watched Henrichs a number of times this season and they have given the green signal to sanction the move of this player. A number of players are expected to leave the club as Jose Mourinho is planning a squad overhaul in the summer. A tireless runner Henrichs is a side back who loves to overlap and can in future transform himself into a winger. Mourinho currently has Matteo Darmian as the backup right back but he has been mostly used on the left side as Luke Shaw hasn’t been available for most of the time.
Henrichs is one of the most highly rated young German prospects and looking at his current form he might be the next Philipp Lahm. But United need to act fast as mulling over a move can attract other potential suitors who might lure him away.
United have the money power to attract any player from any club and they are ready to spend a significant amount of money on him. Henrichs has three years left on his contract but a fee in the region of €25 million should be enough to entice the player to Old Trafford.
