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Could Manchester United look to Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Weigl defensive midfielder cover?
According to reports surfacing from the late on Wednesday evening, it is thought that Manchester United could look to bolster their midfield by signing Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Weigl.
The report suggests that United boss Jose Mourinho has already outlined Tottenham’s Eric Dier and Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic as his summer priorities but neither are looking like joining anytime soon.
Tottenham – as per the – are proving tricky to negotiate with due to their £50 million demands, whilst the suggest Chelsea won’t let Matic leave until they sign Tiemoue Bakayoko.
And the uncertainty surrounding these two targets has reportedly left Mourinho looking elsewhere for re-enforcements, with the 21-year-old Dortmund star now being monitored.
Would the German international be a decent fit at Old Trafford?
Since arriving at Borussia Dortmund as an 18-year-old Julian Weigl has slowly but surely been developing into a natural all-rounder in the centre of the park, leading a youthful side forward.
He has become an extremely effective first-team player in the three years that have followed his £1.5 million move from 1860 Munich, operating best at the back of Dortmund’s midfield triangle.
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With the German international happy to sit deep and allow fellow midfielders Shinji Kagawa, Nuri Sahin and Marcus Reus to drive further forward, his experience in a holding role could hugely benefit Mourinho’s system at United and allow the likes of Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera more freedom.
This ability to sit back also benefits a side in the final third, able to act as the distributor and keep possession ticking along nicely – with his quick-thinking – and he is quick to spot gaps in a defence.
Despite only being 21-years-old he has had enough big-time experience of the Champions League and Bundesliga to settle down well into the Premier League, and it’s his age that could really tempt United.
Although the signing of Matic is perhaps the most logical move – after all, Mourinho knows exactly how to get the best out of him – but at 28-years-old, he is hardly a man for the future.
Alternatively, Weigl is just as tenacious in defence and what he lacks in height and physical stature he makes up for in intelligent tactical play – something that Mourinho would love.
Any talks of a potential switch this summer could hit a snag considering that Weigl is ruled out until at least September after picking up an ankle injury last season though, and without the ability to pass a medical or even join in with United’s pre-season tour of the United States it would be a risk to sign him.
This could therefore potentially be a move worth putting on hold for now until either January or even next summer – but there is undoubtedly potential for Weigl to excel in the Premier League.