Manchester United Very Keen to Sign Union Berlin Midfielder Rani Khedira

According to latest reports, Manchester United are keen to sign Union Berlin midfielder Rani Khedira. The Red Devils are trying to add another defensive midfielder to their squad and the German’s performances have caught their attention.

Erik ten Hag is looking to add some depth to his midfield for next season. Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes have been central pieces in the Dutchman’s system. The duo has been well-complemented by Marcel Sabitzer, Christian Eriksen, and Fred in turns.

However, the team has struggled in Casemiro’s absence in certain key games. The Dutch manager does not have a natural defensive midfielder in his squad to cover for the Brazilian maestro. Therefore, Manchester United have identified Rani Khedira as a potential target for the back-up option.

The 29-year-old has played in the Bundesliga all his life. He featured for VfB Stuttgart, RB Leipzig and FC Augsburg before joining Union Berlin in 2021. Since joining the Die Eisernen, he has made 79 appearances across all competitions for the club (stats via Transfermarkt).

According to 90min, Manchester United have expressed keen interest in signing Union Berlin’s Rani Khedira and would try to seal the transfer at the end of the season. The defensive midfielder has been phenomenal in the Bundesliga and the Europa League this season.

The German midfielder is in the final six months of his current deal and is free to negotiate with foreign clubs over a free transfer. Meanwhile, Union Berlin are trying their best to tie down the 29-year-old to a new contract as they push for a spot in the Champions League next season.

However, the Red Devils are not alone in their interest, with a host of other Premier League clubs also keeping a close eye on the player. Everton, Leicester City, Liverpool, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, and Wolves are all tracking the Union captain.

Manchester United interested in signing Rani Khedira – https://t.co/4miWPzH2HA pic.twitter.com/41aohpJCT6

— Football Talk (@Footballl_Talk) February 28, 2023

With Marcel Sabitzer here at Old Trafford only on a short-term loan spell, the Red Devils could try to procure the Bayern Munich loanee on a permanent deal. The Bavarian giants are willing to sell the Austrian midfielder to make room for Konrad Laimer.

However, United themselves could see few departures this summer. Scott McTominay is attracting attention from 4 Premier League sides after having fallen down the pecking order. Donny van de Beek could also be on his way out amidst interest from Sevilla.

Rani Khedira, the younger brother of Germany World Cup winner Sami Khedira, could be a smart signing for Manchester United. Although Ten Hag’s side have been linked with a host of midfielders, the German would certainly be a cheaper option.

Regular minutes will be a big challenge for the German defensive midfielder at Old Trafford. Currently 29, Khedira would definitely expect regular playing time rather than being on the bench. However, he will mostly be Casemiro’s deputy at Old Trafford.

On the other hand, Liverpool are better placed to make a more lucrative offer. The Merseyside Reds are preparing for a squad overhaul this summer, and Khedira could relace Fabinho in the base of the midfield.

What are your thoughts on Rani Khedira? Should Manchester United prioritize a backup defensive midfielder over other positions? Let us know in the comments.

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