In recent times, Premier League clubs have been looking increasingly towards Germany in the hope of bringing in some of the talent that has benefited from a remarkably astute developmental process. Just look at Arsenal’s summer pursual of Per Mertesacker and their continued interest in Dortmund’s Mario Gotze.
If rumours the rumours are true, Sir Alex Ferguson could be about to follow the Gunner’s lead. CaughtOffside lit up NewsNow recently with the claim that United are set to offer Borussia Dortmund £50m in return for both Neven Subotic and Mario Gotze.
With United struggling to find consistency thus far in the Premier League (and dumped out of the Champions League) I’m not surprised that a number of media sources have suggested United will be spending big. A double-swoop for Dortmund’s two best players, however, seems somewhat unlikely.
Having said that, I can’t help but feel that these two remarkable talents would be able to do a great job for United. They are two of the best available young talents in areas that United need to look at this January.
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With Nemanja Vidic out for the foreseeable future and Rio Ferdinand getting on in years, United could probably do with bringing in an established centre-back. Despite his youth, Neven Subotic is considered by many to one of the best defenders in European football. Having seen him in action in the Champions League this season, it strikes me that he offers an imposing presence, great awareness and a defensive prowess beyond his years.
Given that he’s been dubbed by some as ‘the next Nemanja Vidic’, it’s not all that surprising that United have shown some interest. This link may also provide Subotic with a motive for joining up with Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.
Whilst the likes of Jan Vertonghen may provide a viable alternative, I’d argue that Subotic is slightly more consistent and is more likely to make the step up to Premier League football.
It’s been the subject of much debate as to whether United need a player who can bolster the midfield and replace Paul Scholes. Whilst United have a number of potential long-term replacements for Scholes within the squad, I’d love to see Sir Alex throw another body into the mix.
Luka Modric is too expensive an option and the Wesley Sneijder transfer circus has rolled on without it looking like anything concrete will actually occur. So why not go after Gotze – one of world football’s premier young talents?
As I said, the likelyhood of either of these moves coming to fruition is extremely low. Yet I can’t help but feel that both players would provide solutions to two of United’s biggest problems. For now, however, we’ll have to put our faith in Sir Alex’s judgement. Bring on January!
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