According to reports from talkSPORT this afternoon, Bayern Munich have joined the race to sign Valencia centre-back Shkodran Mustafi.
The former Everton youngster made just one competitive appearance during three years at Goodison Park – coming on for Tony Hibbert in the 75th minute of a Europa League defeat to BATE Borisov in 2009 – before being allowed to leave for Sampdoria in 2012. Former manager David Moyes described his departure as “an attempt to raise cash for new signings.”
Since, however, the 23 year-old has emerged as one of the most highly-rated young defenders in European football, featuring for tournament winners Germany at last summer’s World Cup and helping Valencia secure the third-best defensive record in La Liga last season after Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
He averaged an impressive 1.2 tackles, 2.8 interceptions, 7 clearances and 2.6 successful aerial duels per league appearance during the 2014/15 campaign.
According to talkSPORT, Mustafi is now attracting the attention of Europe’s top clubs, most particularly Bayer Munich and Manchester United – although Barcelona and Real Madrid are believed to have expressed an interest during the summer.
Bayern are the latest club to enter the race, with manager Pep Guardiola described as a ‘big fan’ by the radio station’s website. They also claim that despite Mustafi’s £37million release clause, Valencia could part with the centre-back for around £22million instead.
Is Mustafi the answer to Manchester United’s lack of star quality at centre-back? Comment below!
He wasn’t a flop, he just needed playing time that Everton couldn’t give him as he was just a lad then.
In response to your very valid point, I have changed the title of this piece.
Since when not being given a proper chance at a club warrants the label of a flop?
Everton were simply stupid to let him go. If he was a flop would have he gone on to win the World Cup? Obviously Joachim Löw proved to be much better judge of a talent, unlike Manchester United flop David Moyes!
In response to your very valid point, I have changed the title of this piece.