Manchester United eye €40m-rated Germany international as ideal Kobbie Mainoo partner: Reports
Manchester United are reportedly considering a move for Bayern Munich star Leon Goretzka. The 57-cap Germany international is eyed for a partnership with Kobbie Mainoo. The Red Devils are set to target younger players this summer, but they find the central midfielder's experience desirable.
Football Transfers reports that Bayern will allow Goretzka to leave for around €40 million this summer. The Bundesliga giants are set to undergo a rebuild as they enter a new era under Vincent Kompany.
Goretzka, 29, could be one of several high-profile names who bid farewell to the Allianz Arena this summer. The Bavarians are also prepared to listen to Matthijs De Ligt, Joshua Kimmich, Kingsley Coman, Serge Gnabry, and Noussair Mazraoui.
The versatile midfielder has been an ever-present for the Bavarians for many years. He appeared 42 times across competitions last season, posting six goals and 11 assists. He'll represent Germany at Euro 2024, and Manchester United could be watching how he performs.
The Red Devils may need to replace Casemiro, who continues to be linked with the Saudi Pro League. The Brazilian midfielder endured a difficult 2023-24 season and is reportedly open to joining former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr.
Mainoo, 19, was Manchester United's star man in the middle of the park amid a meteoric rise. Many expected Casemiro to be the perfect chief from whom he could learn, but the five-time UEFA Champions League winner struggled.
Goretzka could be a candidate to help the three-cap England international develop further. He's played alongside several of Europe's most renowned midfielders, including Toni Kroos and Kimmich.
"Incredible maturity" - England boss Gareth Southgate is prepared to start Manchester United's Mainoo at Euro 2024
Mainoo is set to appear at his first major international tournament this summer when England head to Germany for Euro 2024. The Red Devils starlet made his Three Lions debut in March and has made Gareth Southgate's squad.
Manchester United's FA Cup hero was superb last season, posting five goals and one assist in 32 games across competitions. He scored the winner in a 2-1 win against Manchester City in the FA Cup final (May 25).
Southgate spoke glowingly of Mainoo ahead of Euro 2024 and suggested he's willing to start the 'mature' teenager (via Channel 4):
“We wouldn’t have any hesitation in starting him. He’s shown incredible maturity, he progresses the ball forward quickly. He had two fabulous appearances here in March."
Mainoo is one of five midfielders vying for a starting berth as England look to end a 58-year trophy drought. He'll likely battle it out with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Adam Wharton, and Conor Gallagher to be Declan Rice's partner.