According to a recent report by the Sun, Manchester United are plotting a move to secure the services of Stoke City teenager Nathan Collins during this summer transfer period. The same source has also mentioned that the Red Devils will face stiff competition from Werder Bremen in pursuit of the EFL Championship defender in this off-season.
The Rapid Rise Of Nathan Collins
Collins came through the youth ranks of Cherry Orchard FC before he joined Stoke in the summer of 2017. The Irish defensive ace impressed for the Potters’ Under-18 team and got promoted to feature for the club’s Under-23 side last season. The 18-year-old also got a taste of first-team football when he made five appearances for the Staffordshire outfit in the previous campaign across all competitions.
The Championship prospect has also represented the Republic of Ireland at the Under-17 level in 20 international matches across various competitions. Collins had also made 20 appearances in the Premier League 2 last season and put in some dominant displays at the heart of the Stoke Under-23 team’s backline.
At 6ft 5inch tall, he is an unstoppable force in the air so the Red Devils will do well to bring him to Old Trafford this summer.
What Does The Irish Defender Offer On The Pitch?
Collins is one of the tallest defenders in the EFL Championship which allows him to be aerially dominant at both ends of the field. He can also make well-timed interceptions for his side as he is a good tackler. However, the Irish centre-back struggles to play the ball out from the back, so he still has a lot to learn if he intends to be a top level defender someday.
Is Collins A Prospect For The Future?
At the tender age of 18, the Stoke centre-back is on the verge of securing regular first-team football at the bet365 Stadium. However, he is not ready for Premier League football just yet. For now, the Stoke starlet needs to keep his head down and work hard on improving his game on the pitch.
Collins is undoubtedly a prospect for the future so Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will do well to prise him away from Stoke before the start of the new season.
