With endless speculation of new signings arriving at Old Trafford, reports suggest that Erik ten Hag has a first transfer lined up. The Dutchman wants to make Stuttgart’s Borna Sosa his first signing at Man United.
The red side of Manchester is in a slump. Sitting sixth with one game remaining, United are set to finish with their lowest points total since the dawn of the Premier League. To make matters worse, Ralf Rangnick’s team have the fewest wins in a league season by any Man United side. Therefore, fans are desperate for the imminent arrival of Erik ten Hag.
The soon-to-be-former Ajax boss will likely undertake an overhaul of the current Man United squad. With departures aplenty expected, Ten Hag will want to bring in his own players to really put his stamp on the club.
Read: Man united get a fresh boost in their Frenkie de Jong pursuit.
First on his list for Man United is a Croatian left-back by the name of Borna Sosa.
Sosa: new Man United left-back?
According to German outlet Focus, Erik ten Hag wants Sosa as a safeguard of sorts. Alex Telles may leave United, and Luke Shaw has a checkered injury history.
Bundesliga side VFB Stuttgart have the 24-year-old under contract until 2025. Despite this, Focus report that Barcelona, Arsenal and Spurs are all monitoring Sosa. Man United are also among the interested suitors.
A typical modern full-back, Sosa has been one of the brighter points in a difficult season for Stuttgart. In 27 Bundesliga appearances, Sosa has provided eight assists, with a WhoScored average rating of 7.01. His ability to get forward will appeal to Ten Hag and United; the left-back role has often been a feature in the team’s attacking play.
Sosa is available for 25 million euros per his release clause, although Stuttgart may not be willing to give him up easily. However, given that the German side face the threat of relegation, they may have no choice.
What would this signing mean for Luke Shaw and Alex Telles?
As United’s two senior left-backs, the potential transfer of Sosa to Man United threatens Luke Shaw and Alex Telles. For the Brazilian in particular, the transfer could spell the end of his two-year stint at Old Trafford.
The Express reported back in January that Telles may leave for just £13 million in the summer, with Barcelona and Inter Milan among the interested teams. Telles himself also fueled further rumours by saying that he’d like to return to Porto one day. However, in recent weeks, the Brazilian has played in the absence of Luke Shaw.
Unlike Alex Telles, Luke Shaw has not really featured in transfer speculation. Sadly, the England international has suffered from injuries instead. Just this season alone, Shaw has missed 18 matches for United. If Sosa comes in and becomes a reliable option, Shaw’s position in Man United’s squad may be diminished.
Borna Sosa could be one of many signings in a busy transfer window at Old Trafford. If others follow, it won’t just be the left-backs who find their position in the Man United side under threat.
Featured image credit: Getty
