Man Utd is keeping tabs on Netherlands striker Brian Brobbey, but the likelihood of a January deal is being downplayed, according to a source at ESPN.
United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, has expressed interest in acquiring Brobbey from his former club , Ajax, since his initial summer at Old Trafford. Although inquiries were made about the striker’s availability in 2022, the club allocated their budget to other targets, such as Brazil winger Antony.
Despite Ten Hag’s continued interest in Brobbey, who has notched up an impressive 15 goals for Ajax this season, financial constraints, particularly for permanent deals, are reportedly a limiting factor.
Brobbey could potentially provide cover upfront for Rasmus Højlund and Marcus Rashford, especially with Anthony Martial, who is managing a hip injury, expected to stay put in January despite the club’s openness to offers.
While United remains open to potential signings this month, the primary focus has been on addressing financial concerns ahead of the summer transfer window.
The club has already approved several departures, including Jadon Sancho, Donny van de Beek, Sergio Reguilón, Hannibal Mejbri, Álvaro Fernández, Joe Hugill, and Mateo Mejia.
With Martial anticipated to leave on a free transfer in the summer, United is actively exploring options for another forward. Brobbey is likely to be part of the conversation, particularly if Ten Hag continues as manager after the impending overhaul led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS.
Ratcliffe, the British billionaire who recently secured a 25% stake in the club, has made his first major appointment. Omar Berrada, who resigned as the chief football operations officer at Manchester City, will join as CEO.
The official start date for Berrada is yet to be announced as United awaits the ratification of Ratcliffe’s agreement by the Premier League. Ratcliffe and his team anticipate receiving the green light to commence official work in February.