Jurrien Timber to Man Utd: The state of play

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 30 Apr 2023 18:57 BST
• 3 min read

A Jurrien Timber transfer to Manchester United is possible this summer if the Red Devils return for the Ajax defender.

That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who reports that Timber wants a new experience this summer.

Man Utd’s initial target at centre back ahead of the 2022-23 season was Timber.

READ MORE: What is Man Utd’s biggest loss of all time?

However, a transfer didn’t materialise for a couple of reasons.

First of all, Ajax were reluctant to sell and, secondly, the player himself was not convinced that he was ready for the move.

Indeed, Timber decided that it would be better for him to develop in Amsterdam for another year.

As a result, Timber stayed at Ajax and United moved to sign his teammate Lisandro Martinez instead.

But Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag - formerly of Ajax, of course - remains a big fan of Timber and could come back in for him again this summer.

And if he does, Romano believes a transfer is possible.

What did Romano say about Timber?

“Jurrien Timber’s situation will be clarified soon in the market and not late August as for Antony last year. Timber wants to try a new experience, that’s why he signed a short term deal last summer,” Romano said.

“English and German clubs are interested; for United, it still depends on how much they want to invest in that position as a new striker is their priority for now.”

United are expected to sign a centre back this summer, as it is likely that Harry Maguire will leave.

Maguire has lost his first-team place this season and is expected to request a transfer in order to keep his England place ahead of Euro 2024.

The future of Victor Lindelof is also in question as the Swede has seen his game time reduced with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez well established as Ten Hag’s preferred pairing.