Louis van Gaal hasn’t taken over as new Manchester United manager yet.
That doesn’t mean he isn’t lining up stunning transfer deals.
According to reports from the Daily Mail United want to bring Bayern Munich duo Arjen Robben and Toni Kroos to Old Trafford this summer, with van Gaal already using his links at previous clubs to try and get the deals (which could be in excess of $70 million) done for the players he managed at Bayern before leaving back in 2011.
Kroos, 24, has long been a target for United as the central midfielder would add much needed style and swagger to the Red Devils’ engine room. His performances against United in the UEFA Champions League knockout stage proved just how good he is and the German international continues to stall on a new deal with the German champions. Kroos could cost $30 million to sign from Bayern and that is a steal for a player who hasn’t even approached his prime. However further reports from the Independent later on Thursday suggest that any deal for Kroos has now hit the buffers. Silly season is officially here, folks.
As for Robben, 30, he would perhaps like to become the main man in Manchester as the Dutch international winger could return to the Premier League after making his name with Chelsea back in 2004. The tricky wideman has worked with van Gaal at Bayern before and also with the current Dutch national team. Robben could also cost in excess of $30 million as Pep Guardiola’s seeks to overhaul his squad after their demoralizing defeat in the UCL semifinal to Real Madrid.
United’s midfield does need a huge overhaul and adding Kroos in the center and Robben on the wing would be a huge upgrade to their current options. If van Gaal is indeed being handed a $225 million warchest to bring in new players to turn United’s fortunes around this summer, he could do a lot worse than getting Kroos and Robben on board.