Justin Kluivert’s father, Patrick Kluivert has reportedly told his son to make the switch to his former club, Barcelona rather than Manchester United. This comes as a huge blow to Jose Mourinho and his management team who have been tracking the teenage sensation for quite some time now.
Justin is a first team starter already for the Eredivisie outfit with 26 appearances this season along with 7 goals and 4 assists. He is a product of the Ajax youth program and made his debut only last season on 16 September 2016 while playing for Dutch second division club Jong Ajax.
He has been capped for the Netherlands youth sides a total 42 times and is pegged to follow in his father’s tracks in the near future.
Some critics might question his 5 feet 7 inches figure but do not let his size influence you. He is as agile as he is fast on the flanks and has the ability to breeze past defenders on the dribble. At such a young age, Kluivert has already shown signs of his remarkable scoring ability and slotted in his first career hat trick against Roda JC back in November – a feat his father has never achieved in the Dutch league.
Losing out on a highly rated prospect will always take toll years down the line but United can always address the issue by signing a replacement. Here a few players they should consider.
Andrija Živković
The 21-year-old plies his trade for Portuguese outfit, SL Benfica and plays in the similar position. He has been on Arsenal’s shortlist for a long time and Arsene Wenger is already plotting up a summer move.
Živković will bring a lot to the United table mostly due to his versatility in the final third. A wide man who can deliver balls from the flanks while at the same time threaten the opposition box is always favoured by attacking minded managers.
Thomas Lemar
The AS Monaco wide man expressed his disappointment over the failed attempts Premier League teams have had in the past. Arsenal, Liverpool and plenty of other European teams have been on the 22-year-old’s heels for the past year and Mourinho should take a closer look.
Leon Bailey
Bailey is one of those high-profile names to have emerged as a future superstar in the Bundesliga. The Jamaican’s brilliant left foot paired with an astounding turn of pace makes him a huge threat from the wings.
Since many of the interested sides have dropped their interests in Bailey, United can surge ahead with a beefed up offer next summer.
