Manchester United are interested in securing the services of Stuttgart’s Croatian left-back, Borna Sosa.
What’s the word?
That is according to German outlet Kicker, as per the Metro, who claim that Erik ten Hag is a big fan of the 24-year-old and would like him at Manchester United for when he takes over ready for next season.
The report states that Sosa could be available for around €25m (£21.4m).
The next David Beckham?
With the Croatian’s contract expiring in 2025, this represents a fair valuation and gives Manchester United the perfect opportunity to sign a high calibre player for very little expense, something the new manager would surely love.
As a left-back who is capable of playing as a left-midfielder, Sosa has made himself a regular at Stuttgart ever since his move from Dinamo Zagreb back in 2018.
Should Manchester United sign Sosa?
Yes
No
In his first full season as a starter, the Croatian bagged ten assists in 26 appearances and has continued in that same vein of creativity this term, having bagged an impressive nine attacking returns in the form of one goal and eight assists in 27 outings.
Sosa has received plaudits from Stuttgart’s sporting director Sven Mislintat who once said: “Borna Sosa reminds me of David Beckham.”
His stats reflect his flair as a player, with the left-back boasting an average of 3.62 shot-creating actions per 90 with 27.88 touches in the attacking third per game also.
For this attacking excellence though, his defensive stats falter, with the Croatian averaging around 1.16 tackles per 90.
The 24-year-old has mainly operated in a three-at-the-back system which has most certainly given him more licence to attack.
Whilst this will have been good for his positional development, it remains to be seen as to whether ten Hag would feel he is defensively sound enough to play as a full-back in his system.
There is a lot of room for improvement in the out-of-possession aspect of his game and with Brandon Williams set to return to his parent club, there will be a lot of competition with Luke Shaw and Alex Telles also competing for minutes.
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