New Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag raided his former club Ajax twice this summer by roping in Lisandro Martinez and Antony. He was also keen on Brian Brobbey who only rejoined the Eredivisie champions earlier this year, but the club blocked the Dutchman from signing a third Ajax star. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed the story in a recent column (as cited by The Sun).
“There was only one approach between Ten Hag and Brobbey but the player was already blocked by Ajax, it was never a concrete negotiation. As for the future, that will depend on Brobbey’s performances at Ajax, he needs to be regular and consistent.”
The 20-year-old Dutch youth international recently revealed his desire (while speaking to ESPN NL) to represent the Red Devils at some stage of his career. Another prized asset of the Ajax academy, Brobbey progressed through their youth ranks before breaking into their senior side a couple of years back. However, he left them last summer as a free agent and completed a Bosman move to RB Leipzig.
While he struggled to settle in Bundesliga, the homecoming on a six-month loan did the trick for the centre-forward. He fired in 7 goals in 11 league appearances – a blistering return that convinced Ajax to re-sign the youngster for a fee of around €16.35m (plus €3 million in potential add-ons).
The Godenzonen could have avoided this financial hit by not letting him leave in the first place. Yet they are tipped to make a hefty profit if the striking ace continues his blistering form high up the pitch. This would see Manchester United reigniting interest in due course of time.
Despite their dreadful defeats against Brighton and Brentford, the Devils bounced back exquisitely with four successive wins in the Premier League. Both Liverpool and Arsenal suffered setbacks at Old Trafford and the manager is now on a mission to build a dynasty after years of humiliation, despair and misfortune.
Why Manchester United Must Keep Close Eyes On Brobbey
Having said that, Ten Hag must be on the hunt for a modern ‘number 9’ who would showcase his flexibility as well as work ethic while spearheading the attack. Antony, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Elanga and Anthony Martial are more effective from the wide, whereas the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo does not seem to be ideal in the current United set-up. Brobbey, therefore, must remain on United’s radar as a player of his potential should flourish further in the forthcoming future.
