Recent reports from Italian media outlet Calciomercato state that former Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng wants a move to his ‘dream club’ Manchester United this summer.
The 32-year-old became a free agent after Bayern decided against offering him a new contract. And heading into August very little seems to have changed. Despite holding talks with several European sides, Boateng finds himself without a club at the moment, and needless to say, he has been left ‘very disappointed’ and ‘angry’ because of the same.
The German international’s financial demands aren’t too burdensome either – €4 million per season, contract length of two years minimum, and Champions League football.
What Will The Defensive Ace Bring To The Theatre Of Dreams?
The 76-times Germany international has spent a decade at the Allianz Arena, bagging 363 appearances in all competitions, winning 18 trophies over the course of his stay. So, it’s quite obvious that Boateng would bring plenty of experience to the English side and help them build a quality backline.
Even last season, he managed to put up some impressive numbers on the board. Boateng averaged 0.9 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, 2.1 clearances, and 0.6 blocks per 90 minutes in the Bundesliga (calculated over 29 appearances). Moreover, the stat of 5.6 long balls played per game with an overall pass accuracy of 88.4% only shows how capable he is of picking up the right man on the other side of the pitch to start counter-attacks effortlessly.
The Berlin-born centre-back played an instrumental role in Bayern Munich’s charge to a ninth successive league title, and an average WhoScored rating of 6.74 highlights how impressive he was at the back last season.
A Wise Option For Solskjaer?
Manchester United recently added Raphael Varane to their squad, but it does seem like they are in the market for a reliable and experienced backup option – and Jerome Boateng fits the bill perfectly.
It’s no doubt that Varane will partner skipper Harry Maguire at the heart of United’s backline on most occasions (barring injuries), but Boateng would add appreciable depth to the backline – something Solskjaer has lacked over the past few seasons.
At 32, the German international isn’t exactly a safe option, but him being a free agent might tempt United to go in for him. A one-year contract with the option to extend might be a good business for all the parties involved.
(Stats from WhoScored)
