After failing to bring in Hall, Manchester United's plan to strengthen their left back this summer has not changed. According to the latest news, the Red Devils are interested in signing David Laum, the captain of German Bundesliga team RB Leipzig, and Laum has recently publicly talked about his future, admitting that there are indeed teams inquiring about him. Various signs indicate that Manchester United has included the 28 year old German international in this summer's transfer list.
At present, Raum's contract with Leipzig Club only has one year left, which is the key factor that Manchester United sees in him. According to German media, Leipzig is currently facing the choice of renewing Raum's contract or selling him. If it drags on until next summer, the player will leave as a free agent. And Raum himself did not say anything, only stating that he still looks forward to representing Leipzig in the Bundesliga.
Manchester United's intention to bring in Raum is very clear, which is to find a successor to Luke Shaw. The Red Devils have returned to the Champions League in the new season, with a significant increase in matches. Xiao's injury history has made it difficult for the club to trust him in the left flank. And Patrick Dolgu has not yet gained enough trust from Carrick. So, Manchester United needs a left back with immediate power, and Raum meets the club's requirements in all aspects.
This summer, Manchester United has been chasing Newcastle's left back Lewis Hall. But Newcastle has already sold Gordon, Tonali, and Guimaraes, earning huge profits, and has no plans to continue selling people. In this situation, Manchester United had to turn their attention to other targets, including Barcelona's Alejandro Bald, Santander Athletic's Jorge Salinas, and Raum, all of whom were on their transfer list.
From a technical perspective, Raum is not a purely defensive full back. Last season, he had a high level of attacking participation on the left flank of Leipzig. He had strong passing ability, could participate in set piece attacks, and could also insert from the wing. Moreover, Laum also possesses a certain level of versatility in the backcourt and can guest star as a center back. This means that Manchester United can have more choices in terms of defensive personnel when facing different opponents.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that Manchester United's senior executive Christopher Wavell, who had previously worked at a German club, is very familiar with Laum's characteristics. When Benjamin Sheshko transferred to Manchester United last year, the two sides also had direct cooperation. And this also gives Manchester United greater operability in bringing in Raum.
However, currently Manchester United is not the only club interested in Raum, and Raum admits to having made an inquiry, but has not received an official offer from Manchester United. According to reports, if Manchester United really makes a move, Laum's price may be significantly lower than the normal market price, and a bid of no less than £ 30 million can initiate negotiations with Leipzig.
Manchester United has invested heavily this summer, with Yuri Tilemans and Andre Santos joining successively, and Carlos Baleba officially completing his transfer recently. The maximum total transaction price for Baleba reached 70 million pounds, and the transfer fees for the three midfielders have already approached 150 million pounds. Now we have to buy a left back again, and the club's budget is not too sufficient.
However, Manchester United's 0-2 away loss to Hull City in the first round of the new season has magnified their defensive problems on the left flank. In the game, there were many loopholes in the team's defense. Although one game cannot determine the entire season, Carrick clearly will not ignore this signal. There are not many days left until the summer window closes on September 1st in the English Premier League Daily, and Manchester United must seize the opportunity to sign Raum.