Manchester United have done well during the summer transfer window, bolstering their side with the timely acquisitions of Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao. One problem: Neither can feature at center-back for the club. As prominent as United's front-line will be, a Premier League title will not follow starting the likes of Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Tyler Blackett in defense.
Enter Mats Hummels.
The 25-year-old has long been rumored to be pursued by the club, but is currently under contract with Borussia Dortmund. According to the Daily Star (via Goal Transfer Talk), United had hoped to snag him in the next summer transfer window; however, they'll have to wait until 2016 to do so. Per the report, Dortmund are slated to sell Marco Reus in 2015, limiting the club's selling options.
Losing two key cogs will do little to threaten Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga.
United made a last-ditch effort on transfer deadline day to bring the World Cup champion to Old Trafford. The club offered £20 million and midfielder Shinji Kagawa in exchange for his services, but Dortmund had little interest in the bid. Kagawa would eventually return to his former manager for €8 million.
Undoubtedly, Hummels would serve as an immediate upgrade for manager Louis van Gaal. In 23 league appearances last season, the center-back averaged 4.8 clearances and 2.7 tackles per match. An added set-piece dimension increases his value. Hummels finished his Bundesliga campaign with two goals, the same total he posted in the 2014 World Cup.
With that level of production, two years is well worth the wait.
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