Recent reports from Sky Germany claim that Manchester United are keen on signing TSG 1899 Hoffenheim left-back David Raum in the ongoing transfer window as Erik Ten Hag looks set to add to his defensive options ahead of the 2022/23 season.
‘A transfer this summer is likely. The Premier League is currently in pole position. Numerous clubs from the island have their eyes on space, including at least one top-class player in Manchester United.’ – The translated version of the report stated.
However, Manchester United are not the only club keen on securing the defender’s services. Borussia Dortmund are also eyeing a move for the Nuremberg-born ace, although a transfer fee exceeding 30 million euros is currently not feasible for the Bundesliga giants. Edin Terzic wants to recruit Raum as a replacement for both Raphael Guerreiro and Nico Schulz as they were defensively unconvincing throughout the 2021/22 season.
Having come through the ranks at second-division German club SpVgg Greuther Furth, David Raum joined TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in the summer of 2021 on a free transfer. Over the course of the past season, the 24-year-old made 35 appearances for Die Kraichgauer, scoring three goals and assisting thirteen more across all competitions. Needless to say, the German left-back enjoyed plenty of success in his debut season in Sinsheim, even featuring in Hansi Flick’s Die Mannschaft.
Besides, he managed to put up some awe-inspiring numbers on the board the last term – averaging 1.6 tackles, 0.8 interceptions, 1.1 clearances, 0.8 shots, 2.6 key passes, one dribble, three crosses, and two long balls per ninety minutes in the German top-flight.
Good Choice For Ten Hag?
The lack of quality in either full-back position caused immense damage to Manchester United’s ambitions for the past season, with Alex Telles, Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Diogo Dalot dropping average performances even on their best day. Given the circumstances, signing a quality left-back should be one of the board’s priorities in the summer transfer window. It’s beyond doubt that the Red Devils need to upgrade their options in defence to try and solve their issues at the back – and David Raum would be the perfect replacement for Alex Telles, who is reportedly not a part of Ten Hag’s rebuild plans.
At 24, the German ace has some of the best years ahead of him, so it won’t be a surprise if he adds an entirely new dimension to United’s dynamic at the back next season.
(Stats from WhoScored)
