Such is the forward momentum of a club like Manchester United, their transfer budget tends to rise regardless of their level of success on the football pitch. Take last season: United picked up their 19th Premier League title and then went out and spent on player s like Phil Jones and Ashley Young – stars of the future that didn’t come cheap. This trend looks set to continue this summer, regardless whether United can secure their 20th Premier League title at the end of the season.
After all, most of the midfield inspiration comes from two players who are now over 37-years-old. It’s clear that United can’t rely on Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs (despite the fact that he recently signed a one-year extension) forever and Fergie will likely look to the transfer market for a long term solution.
As a result there are a whole slew of rumours out there in the papers and online linking United to just about every vaguely talented midfielder in the world. So what do we make of Ladbrokes claims that Man United are in the market for Real Madrid’s German midfielder Sami Khedira?
By now we all know what Khedira adds to a team: an incredible engine, energy, speed of thought, a stinging shot and ability in the air. Joining on the 30th July 2010, The 24-year old quickly established himself as a vital cog in the Real Madrid machine after impressing in the 2010 World Cup.
However, the depth of competition in Real Madrid’s midfield has seen his place the starting XI challenged. Whilst he’s not exactly, under-utilised, it’s fair to say that he’d get more opportunities at a club like Manchester United who need some midfield reinforcements than he’s currently getting.
Khedira would slot nicely in front of the United back four, provide ample protection and allow the likes of Michael Carrick and Darren Ferguson to focus on their attacking play. When you add Tom Cleverley into the mix, it’s clear that United would have a midfield with a good mix of ability and potential.
Of course, Khedira wont come cheap and Real Madrid may be reluctant to lose him. It’ll take a decent £20-25m bid to persuade Madrid to sell and it remains to be seen whether Ferguson and the Glazers would be willing to use United’s funds in this way.
But surely if they did take the plunge he’d be a success at United?
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Darren Ferguson??? You’re funny.