Zakaria ‘unlikely’ to move to Man United
Manchester United could be set to miss out on Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Swiss international midfielder Denis Zakaria as Red Devils interim manager Ralf Rangnick looks to set the club off on the right foot in their bid to improve the first-team set up at Old Trafford.
Reports coming via SkySports in Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg state that a move to the Theatre of Dreams is ‘unlikely’ for the 25-year-old native of Geneva despite the imminent nature of his departure from Borussia Park.
Update #Zakaria: He is a potential candidate to replace Tolisso in summer. The decision-makers agree that he could strengthen the team. Big plus: He’s affordable! Moreover his move to #MUFC is very unlikely – confirmed. @SkySportDE ??
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) January 19, 2022
Club sporting director Max Eberl recently commented on the situation surrounding Zakaria, whose current deal with Gladbach comes to an end after the season with an extension of terms not on the table for the player.
But the recent news that Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich are keen on Zakaria in conjunction with a move to United being all but ruled out completely is somewhat of a hammer blow as the Red Devils continue their desperate search for valuable additions into the heart of midfield.
Bayern midfielder could offer a second avenue
Speaking of Bayern Munich, though Manchester United may well miss out on Denis Zakaria thanks to efforts being made in Bavaria, one player that the club could certainly turn towards as a credible alternative is Bayern’s French international midfielder Corentin Tolisso.
(L-R) Jonjoe Kenny of FC Schalke 04, Corentin Tolisso of FC Bayern Munich during the German DFB Pokal quarter final match between FC Schalke 04 and Bayern Munich at the Veltins Arena on March 03, 2020 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany(Photo by ANP Sport via Getty Images)
Also reported by Florian Plettenberg, current contract talks with Bayern regarding an extension of terms at Allianz Arena are ‘very complicated,’ with the player and his representatives sticking to terms that come with considerable demands that the club may look to avoid.
If so, there is certainly an avenue to pursue the Olympique Lyonnais academy graduate despite an injury track record that has seen him make just 65-appearances in the Bundesliga since 2017.
On his day, he is supremely talented and could offer a dynamic midfield duo alongside international teammate Paul Pogba should the mercurial midfielder decide to remain at the club moving forward.
