Manchester United are plotting a January move for Netherlands under-21 international Justin Kluivert. Some sources are claiming that the Ajax youngster is high on the shortlist of transfer options for Jose Mourinho when the transfer window commences next month. The 18-year-old has reportedly joined the likes of Thomas Lemar, Malcom and Christian Pulisic as options of natural wingers for Mourinho to choose from in January.
Justin is the son of ex Netherlands forward Patrick Kluivert who broke into the AFC Ajax first-team in January. The Dutch club has failed in their attempts to make him sign a long-term contract with his current deal set to last until the summer of 2019. Hence, it is set to be a potentially affordable deal for Manchester United as they try to recruit him for the future. Mourinho has been a long-term fan of his talents and has previously shown his admiration for the Dutch starlet with the Red Devils’ boss making a point of complimenting Kluivert in person on his debut campaign for Ajax in the immediate aftermath of Manchester United’s Europa League Final triumph over the Dutch giants in May.
It is being reported that the AFC Ajax youngster is being represented by Mino Raiola who already has a history with the Manchester club on several recent transfer dealings.
The Red Devils’ executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has reportedly suggested that a transfer kitty in the region of €90million would be in Mourinho’s disposal next month as he attempts to improve a squad that has won 13 of their 18 Premier League matches, yet find themselves in second place, 11 points behind record-setting leaders and rivals Manchester City. However, the Portuguese manager publicly stated his interest on a forward “who can play through the wings to give me more attacking options” last summer, but the club hierarchy was not ready to commit the financial resources needed to secure one.
Hence, Mourinho has divided the role of wingers to two of his pacy youngsters, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial. They are both more adept to play in a central attacking position but had to settle in their new role as wingers or wing-backs (in certain matches) to provide some attacking width for United so far in this campaign.
Justin Kluivert has featured in 19 matches for Ajax this season and has scored 5 goals and made 2 assists so far. He is definitely a player with a lot of potential and can thrive under Mourinho if given the opportunity at Old Trafford. It remains to be seen whether Manchester United are successful in their attempts to sign the Dutch starlet from Ajax next month.
