Manchester United will face competition from Nice if they are serious about signing Dan-Axel Zagadou on a free transfer this summer, it has been claimed.
Zagadou will be leaving Borussia Dortmund when his contract expires at the end of June. The left-footed centre-back will have to find somewhere else to continue his career.
One solution could be the Premier League. A few months ago, Manchester United were suggested as potential takers for the Frenchman.
Their interest was said to be driven by Ralf Rangnick, who at the time was their interim manager. Rangnick has since left the club, though.
Still, Foot Mercato has drawn Man Utd into the picture again when it comes to Zagadou’s future. The French outlet names United as one of “several English clubs” whom the defender has “aroused the interest of” over the past few months.
However, there is now a chance that the former Paris Saint-Germain youth could return to his home country. The report claims Nice are targeting Zagadou, who confirmed in a recent interview that he would not oppose a Ligue 1 transfer.
He left PSG without making a single first-team appearance. Therefore, he could finally get the chance to flourish in his homeland’s top-flight.
Joining Nice would be an interesting move. They finished fifth in 2021-22, securing a Europa Conference League play-off spot. However, their manager Christophe Galtier could quit to replace Mauricio Pochettino at Zagadou’s former home, PSG.
Alternatively, he could try out the Premier League for the first time. The competitors to Man Utd there are not yet known.
United are considering adding a new centre-back to their ranks. Eric Bailly, Axel Tuanzebe and Phil Jones could all leave this summer. In addition, captain Harry Maguire came under scrutiny last season.
They do not have any left-footed centre-halves at their disposal. Hence, Zagadou could give them different qualities if a firm interest remains.
And at the age of 23, he would be a player of potential for Erik ten Hag to work with. But all eyes will be on Nice after the latest update.