Reports of a summer move for Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels to Old Trafford have swirled for months, and they’ve finally caused his manager to open up.
Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp came inches from confirming the move when he spoke about Hummels to DW Sport.
After being specifically asked about the chances Hummels becomes a Red Devil this summer, Klopp said, “He’s good enough for Manchester United”
He followed that up with, “He told me he’s thinking things over. We’re always looking around the market ourselves.” That’s as close as you’ll get to the manager of a top club confirming the exit of his player prematurely.
Many have tabbed the defense of Manchester United as a serious weakness. Louis van Gaal bought Marcos Rojo last summer, and while the Argentinian has proved effective, he’s been injured for a large portion of the season. Chris Smalling and Phil Jones aren’t going to cut it at the top of the league, so it makes sense van Gaal would look to a full German international like Hummels.
However, the 26-year-old German has regressed mightily this season, central to the Bundesliga struggles for Dortmund this year. Hummels has played in 19 matches this season, and Dortmund has won nine league games on the year. However, shockingly, five of those nine wins have come with Hummels out of the squad.
Because of this, it could be on the minds of Dortmund to cash in on Hummels while his name recognition still remains high. One rough season would hardly deter suitors for a big-name defender, but another could ruin his market value.