Mika Godts: Man United target’s chances of leaving Ajax unveiled – Fabrizio Romano | OneFootball

Manchester United’s pursuit of Mika Godts has taken a sharp twist with a host of clubs across Europe angling to sign the Ajax winger this summer, according to the latest reports.

Bolstering the left wing

The Red Devils are on the hunt for a new left-winger to help bring more balance to their lopsided attacking unit. Despite a downturn in form after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, Amad and Bryan Mbeumo are jostling for the starting berth on the opposite flank – with both being natural right-wingers.

By contrast, Michael Carrick has used either Matheus Cunha or Patrick Dorgu on the left since he took the reins from Ruben Amorim in January. Neither the Brazilian nor the Dane are traditional wide players in a 4-2-3-1 system, however, with Cunha’s best work coming inside while Dorgu remains more effective as an overlapping threat from deep.

While a revamp of central midfield is the most urgent priority this summer, a more natural winger on that side – an “Amad on the left” as one source describes – is also high on the list.

The leading candidates are understood to be Yan Diomande or Morgan Rogers, though moves for either will cost up to £100 million. This is the same type of fee United are being quoted for their primary targets in midfield, however, with the club’s budget only able to stretch so far.

As such, a cheaper alternative on the left wing may be required to help balance the pursuit of two high-profile recruits in the middle of the pitch – with Godts emerging as a highly-rated option at Old Trafford. But the Red Devils are not alone in their admiration of the 20-year-old wizard.

Eyed by England’s elite

Godts is enjoying a superb breakout season in Amsterdam, returning 16 goals and 11 assists in 29 appearances in the Eredivisie. He is most lethal when cutting in on his stronger right foot, but his dizzying dribbling allows him to turn opposition full-backs inside or out.

Ajax are understood to be asking for a fee in the region of £27 million for the Belgium under-21 international, though his red-hot form could see this price rise if a bidding war erupts for his signature.

United are joined by Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City in their admiration, while Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona also have him “on their list”, according to Dutch outlet Voetbal International.

Crucially, Godts is open to an exit from the Johan Cruyff Stadium, which weakens Ajax’s negotiating position, as Fabrizio Romano reveals he is “expected to make his move in the summer”. There have been “initial approaches” from interested suitors.

Tweet: “Mika Godts, expected to make his move in the summer with European top clubs on alert for Ajax gem. Initial approaches already took place.”

A report relayed by The Peoples Person last month revealed United have “made contact” with Ajax to “explore the potential terms of a deal”.

Final Thoughts

Godts is an unquestionable talent with a potent pairing of skill out wide and quality in the final third. The rapid improvements he has made in terms of end product have seen him transition from a highly-rated prospect to one of Ajax’s most integral players this season.

However, there is a long line of imports from Holland who have arrived in England and been incapable of recapturing the form which saw them targeted in the first place. United are still feeling the effects of the last winger signed from Amsterdam.

Godts does not possess top-level speed or acceleration, while his physicality remains, naturally, a work in progress. The Belgian may be best served by prioritising a switch to a slower-paced league like Serie A or LaLiga before he takes the plunge in Europe’s most demanding division.

Featured image Dean Mouhtaropoulos via Getty Images

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