According to Kicker, Manchester United have held talks with Bayern Munich target Ozan Kabak. The Stuttgart defender has been hugely linked with a move to Bavaria this summer but has also courted interested from a host of clubs across Europe. It is believed that the likes of FC Schalke, AS Monaco, West Ham United and AC Milan have all made contact with the player’s entourage regarding a potential switch.
Kabak’s rapid rise to prominence
Kabak was brought in from Galatasaray for a fee of €11 million in the January transfer window to aid the leaky Stuttgart backline. The youngster was regarded as one of the best up and coming talents in Turkish football in recent years and did quite well to live up to his billing by making an instant impact in the Bundesliga.
The centre-back quickly became a key figure in the Stuttgart backline during the Ruckrunde, making 15 appearances in the league. Although he failed to save his side from relegation, his impressive performances indicated that he might be ready to play for a bigger club.
And with the Swabians once again relegated, Kabak’s future at Stuttgart remains uncertain and a big money move could be on the horizon this summer.
What can Kabak bring to the table?
The 19-year-old initially impressed the onlookers with his remarkable ball-playing skills. Indeed, Kabak is an excellent passer of the ball and is adept in delivering long and accurate diagonal balls as well as playing short laser passes in midfield.
But aside from his passing, Kabak has a tall frame of 1.86m, which often becomes quite intimidating for the opposition. It also hands him a considerable advantage in the air as two of his three goals came from headers this past season.
That being said, Kabak needs to improve his overall defensive positioning and show more awareness if he is to thrive at a higher level of football.
Should Manchester United hijack Bayern’s deal for Kabak?
Kabak, in many ways, is still untested at the highest level of football, having only played half a season in the Bundesliga. And given his age and lack of experience, he could find it difficult to cope with Manchester United’s lofty expectations, let along solving their defensive problems.
Although the Turkish sensation will be a welcome addition to United’s defensive department, it’s a signing the club should hold out for now. And instead, they should focus on acquiring the services of someone, who has first team quality and can make an instant impact at the heart of their four-man backline next season.
