If the talks in the transfer market are to be believed, Manchester United are considering to render the services of David Brooks from Bournemouth. [source: Guardian]
The 23-year-old winger has been under United’s radar for more than a year after making his mark in Bournemouth’s 4-1 defeat at United in December 2018. He was, however, regarded as way too expensive last year as Bournemouth valued him at a staggering £50 million. The two teams couldn’t agree at a valuation and United instead ended up signing Daniel James from Swansea at £15 million.
The Welsh playmaker is a versatile talent. Naturally, he is a right-winger but he can effectively play on the left flank and also as a central attacking midfielder if needed.
Brooks missed out on the starting 7 months of footballing action last season due to ankle surgery. He became available for the latter part of the season and even netted one against Manchester City when the Premier League resumed after the abrupt halt as a result of the pandemic.
According to reports from The Mail, Bournemouth are determined to get £40 million from the Welsh’s sale, which seems a bit far-fetched. United can easily wear down the £40 million asking price and push them to accept a lower offer, one in the range of £20 – £25 million, especially with Brooks being a boyhood United fan, and Bournemouth being relegated from the league this season.
This is not a new phenomenon. Sir Alex Ferguson’s successful sides were not made up of players signed from European giants. Instead, the players were plucked from far less successful clubs at bargain prices.
United signed Carlos Tevez when he was relegated with West Ham in 2007. Edwin van der Sar was signed from Fulham. Even Antonio Valencia was signed from Wigan when they were relegated.
What matters is not where the player comes from, but what he is capable of becoming, and Brooks has the potential to be a Premier League topliner.
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