As Ten Hag seeks his first summer signing, Manchester United is closing in on the Feyenoord defender.
Tyrell Malacia’s preferred shirt number may become available in time for the defender’s possible arrival at Manchester United.
United have held talks with Feyenoord and are close to completing the signing of the left-back. The 22-year-old was on his way to Lyon, but United could be poised to derail the deal.
Feyenoord sporting director Frank Arnesen confirmed the agreement, telling 1908.nl: “The agreement is in place. Tyrell is now on his way. If he answers yes, a move to Manchester United is in the cards.”
Malacia is expected to become United’s first signing of the summer, with a contract for roughly €15 million-plus €2 million in add-ons negotiated between the two clubs. The acquisition of the Netherlands international will almost certainly put him in competition with Luke Shaw for the left-back position at Manchester United next season.
It’s also likely that Alex Telles’ United career is coming to an end, with United eager to listen to bids for him for the rest of the transfer window. Telles’ departure would open up the Brazilian squad number 27 for Malacia to assume.
However, the defender could be targeting a fresh shirt number. His first choice number five, who he was given last season, will almost certainly be unavailable, with club captain Harry Maguire now serving as United’s number five.
Malacia’s previous number at Feyenoord, on the other hand, appears to be available this summer. Prior to wearing the number 5, the 22-year-old wore the number 15.
Andreas Pereira now wears that jersey, but the Brazilian will most likely be on the move this summer. A permanent move to Flamengo appears to be off the table following his loan spell in Brazil last season, although the midfielder has been linked with Fulham and Crystal Palace.
Malacia has another alternative as well. The teenager wore the number 35 in his first season as a professional, which is currently vacant. The defender has also worn 17 while at Feyenoord’s youth, albeit Fred claims that shirt.
Another possibility is number three – with Eric Bailly having stated his decision to quit United, the shirt traditionally assigned to left-backs appears to be available for either Malacia or Shaw next season
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