Arnaut Danjuma: Man Utd transfer target second only to Benzema in La Liga
Robin Bairner
- 30 May 2022 22:24 BST
- 3 min read
Manchester United are once again being linked with a transfer for Villarreal attacker Arnaut Danjuma, who has also long been associated with Liverpool.
Signed from Bournemouth in 2021 for just €23.5 million, Danjuma has quickly developed into one of La Liga’s most exciting talents. Indeed, he was also impressive in the Champions League as Unai Emery’s side made an unexpected run to the semi-finals.
This has been reflected in his transfer valuation, which has shot up since moving to Spain. When he joined Villarreal, FootballTransfers estimated his value around the €18m mark, but it has increased to €37m.
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The MEN now reports that Man Utd are monitoring his progress closely as the summer transfer window looms.
Indeed, it would almost be surprising if there was not a big club willing to take a punt on the forward this summer given that he has a release clause worth €45m – not too much more than his quickly rising valuation.
How good is Arnaut Danjuma?
There is a lot about Danjuma’s game to like.
Perhaps what has been most impressive about the 25-year-old Netherlands international this season has been how accomplished he was in a centre-forward role for Villarreal when he filled in for injury star Gerard Moreno in the second half of the season.
So strong were Danjuma’s displays in La Liga, data analytics experts SciSports rated his performance second only to Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema – and everyone is aware of how strong the France star has been this season.
Beyond that, Danjuma also has the talent to play on the wing, which is seen as his regular position.
In what has been a breakthrough season for him, he has scored 16 goals in all competitions and created another four – a strong return.
His strengths are undoubtedly offensive. Even when playing as a centre forward, he is a player who likes to carry the ball aggressively and provoke defenders into working.
The big downside
Where he may not suit either Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag or Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is defensively. He rates terrible in terms of his pressing and winning the ball back, and both may be wary that if to asked to perform that type of role, something would be taken away from his attacking performance.
Despite this, the €45m release clause may tempt one of the Premier League giants to take a punt.
