Manchester United Transfer News: Mats Hummels Admits Interest in Red Devils Move

Borussia Dortmund star Mats Hummels has reignited rumours he could be on his way to Manchester United by revealing he’s tempted by the prospect of playing abroad.

Speaking with German football magazine Kicker (h/t Joe Ridge of the Mail Online), the centre-back admitted that he’s been mulling over his future and that a move away from German football would enrich his development as both a person and a footballer.

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“Some days I think I would definitely like to move abroad,” he said, when asked about interest from the Red Devils. “But then, other days, I think I don't fancy it at all.” The defender continued:

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Basically, I think moving abroad would be good for my professional and personal well-being. Eventually, I'd like to leave the Bundesliga.

I have had many conversations with the leaders of Dortmund, where I know I am a big part of the team, but I am yet to make a decision about my future. I'm being open about this because I'm not a fan of those who claim they are staying but, behind the scenes, have actually secretly agreed a transfer away from their current club.

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Alex Chaffer of FourFourTwo thinks that, with contract negotiations ongoing between Hummels and Dortmund, the player’s future could be decided in the next couple of months:

As noted by Ridge’s piece, Hummels has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford. After a flurry of rumours linking the defender with a move to the Premier League in January, it’s claimed United “are preparing a summer bid for the German.”

Here’s a glimpse at the kind of attributes he would potentially add to this side:

Despite boasting the third-best defensive record in the Premier League, United’s creaking back line has been a big concern this season. Far too often, it’s been left to David de Gea to haul the team out of trouble with magnificent saves, and it’s an area of the squad Louis van Gaal must replenish in the summer if they're to move forward.

Bleacher Report’s Stan Collymore doesn’t think Hummels is world class but does believe his acquisition would help expedite the Red Devils’ rise back up the Premier League table:

Hummels is certainly a man capable of lending a steadying hand at the back. While he’s not blessed with blistering pace, the Dortmund man has fantastic fundamental defensive instincts, is physically imposing and an excellent communicator.

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As noted by Sport Witness, while his affinity for BVB shines through in those aforementioned quotes, it seems as though Hummels may be beginning to ponder a move away from Westfalenstadion:

There are few Dortmund fans who would begrudge him that opportunity, either. Hummels has been a magnificent player for Jurgen Klopp’s team and was central to the club’s renaissance from the brink of oblivion back to the summit of German football. Two league titles and a DFB-Pokal are honours that speak for themselves.

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But with Dortmund looking increasingly unlikely to take their place in the Champions League next season after a disastrous domestic campaign, perhaps Hummels feels as though this summer presents the ideal time to cut ties with the club.

Bundesliga pundit Jan Aage Fjortoft isn’t quite so sure, though:

The prospect of the Premier League, Old Trafford and the lucrative sums he’d earn by donning the iconic red jersey surely serve as tempting incentives for this fine defender. For Van Gaal’s system—in which it is paramount that defenders play out calmly from deep—Hummels would be a perfect fit.

United are making steady steps under the tutelage of the Dutchman, but it’s imperative for Van Gaal to lay solid foundations at the back for this team to build upon next season. At this juncture, there are few better candidates to stabilise this section of the squad than Hummels.