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Ajax forward speaks on rejecting Man Utd transfer despite Erik ten Hag call
Ajax’s prolific forward, Brian Brobbey has spilled the beans on Manchester United‘s pursuit of his services, revealing that Erik ten Hag contacted him about a potential move to Old Trafford in 2022.
Brobbey’s football journey has seen two triumphant chapters under Ten Hag’s guidance at Ajax, the first during the 2020/21 season before a switch to RB Leipzig and the second in a loan spell during 2021/22, following a less-than-ideal stint in Germany.
The Dutch sensation’s return to Ajax during the winter transfer window proved nothing short of spectacular, with Brobbey showcasing his goal-scoring prowess with seven strikes in just 11 Eredivisie appearances.
However, amidst the brilliance, the football rumor mill churned out reports suggesting Manchester United’s keen interest in the talented striker.
There was a report back in 2022 that United had set their sights on Brobbey’s signature. The intriguing revelation now comes from the striker himself, acknowledging Ten Hag’s direct involvement in the pursuit.
Despite the allure of Old Trafford and Ten Hag’s personal plea, Brobbey opted to reject the move, steering clear of the red side of Manchester.
In an interview withDer Telegraaf,Brobbey has now confirmed that Ten Hag did indeed ask him to reunite in Manchester. However, he opted for a permanent return to Ajax instead.
“Erik ten Hag called me and said that at United, my agent would get millions of euros and I could earn a multiple of my Ajax salary. But our decision was clear: we wanted to go to Ajax,” Brobbey revealed.
“Manchester United wanted to have me, but I insisted on returning to Ajax. To make that possible, my agent Jose Fortes Rodriguez even waived a hefty percentage of the sell-on clause.”
The striker signed a five-year deal at the Johan Cruyff Arena instead of joining Ten Hag at Old Trafford, with Ajax agreeing to part ways with an initial €16.35m to acquire his services.
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A report from theDaily Mirrorsuggested that Brobbey is once again back on the radar ahead of Anthony Martial’s impending summer exit. The underperforming French forward’s contract is due to expire at the end of this season, and Brobbey could be considered a potential replacement.
This development adds a captivating layer to the ongoing transfer narrative, as the footballing world contemplates what could have been at Old Trafford. Brobbey’s decision, amidst the backdrop of Ten Hag’s managerial charm, injects an element of drama into the transfer market drama that unfolds with each passing window.
Stay tuned for further insights and twists in the captivating tale of Brian Brobbey and his flirtation with a potential move to Manchester United, a story that continues to captivate fans and pundits alike.