Manchester United face a predicament as they approach the next transfer window.
Not only are they unsure when that might be, but following the coronavirus pandemic it is unclear how the football world will recover. Tournaments have been postponed, matches need rearranging and transfer values have already plummeted.
Current events are sure to have a lasting impact on the sport for years to come, but in the immediate future it could also heavily impact United’s recruitment plans.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed back in January that he was looking to continue his gradual overhaul with only a few additions this summer, but following a global financial crisis it would be no surprise to see those plans restricted.
The next transfer window will be one of the strangest in history and as a result United will need to get a bit creative if they are to get true value for money. Solskjaer might be best trying to kill two birds with one stone, and Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Kai Havertz would fit the bill.
The 20-year-old sparked fresh speculation about his future on Wednesday when he admitted he was looking for his next ‘big challenge’ in his exciting career. Bayern Munich are currently the favourites to sign Havertz later this year while Liverpool are the most likely from an English market, two big challenges indeed.
However, there is fair argument to suggest Havertz is the player United should really prioritising this summer. Ed Woodward is keen to bring Jadon Sancho to Old Trafford in the next window, and it seems this year will be their best chance of landing the England international after missing out on him when he first left Man City back in 2017. After all Sancho is the most exciting winger in Germany, if not Europe, but Havertz isn’t far behind.
The German international has ten goals and eight assists in all competitions this season but his most exciting asset is the fact he is equally capable of playing in attacking midfield or on the right wing. The two areas United need to strengthen the most.
Havertz has played the majority of his games as an attacking midfielder this season, but his best return for goal contributions has come when he has played out on the right. It is a good problem to have.
The Bayer Leverkusen midfielder will only turn 21 this summer, but he is already speaking with a maturity when it comes to the delicate matter of his own future. Havertz knows a move would likely improve his hopes of going to the European Championship next summer, but insists he will only move if the project is right.