Manchester United told hefty price to sign defender this summer

The Red Devils won’t get their target on the cheap

Posted Wednesday, May 03, 2023 by 101 GREAT GOALS

Manchester United have been warned that it will cost them 50m euros (£44m) to sign former Erik ten Hag defender Jurrien Timber this summer, despite the centre-back explaining last week that a move away this summer is almost certain.

The young defender was top of Ten Hag’s wishlist along with Antony when he made the move to Old Trafford last summer, but ultimately opted to sign a new contract with Ajax.

With the futures of both Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof unclear, it could still be a move that United look to pull off, though at present it is believed that their focus lies in central midfield and in a striker before any other position this summer.

And the defender’s hefty valuation won’t help, with Ajax ready to demand more than £40m for their star Dutchman.

With a striker also expected to cost the club in excess of £80m (and possibly £100m), and a midfielder, backup goalkeeper and alternative right-back also on the Red Devils wishlist, that much on a backup defender may prove a stretch.

News #Timber: Ajax definitely wants to keep him as he’s their key player! In case of his transfer in summer his price valuation is around €50m at this stage! Ajax has no concrete offers for him yet. Timber wants to join a top club! @SkySportDE 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/fu2q9G4KO9
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) May 2, 2023

Timber himself is ready to move on.

“A transfer is getting closer”, he told Dutch media last week. “There’s a lot of concrete interest and I have agreements with Ajax. Last year, Ajax asked me to stay for at least one more season and extend my contract. I did that because I love this club.”

It remains to be seen who will be able to stump up the fee, though, with the price-tag set to put off plenty of suitors across Europe. Should United be one of the few sides continuing their interest, they may be able to thrash out a cheaper deal.