Manchester United have Elche CF’s David Affengruber on their agenda for the summer.
Last month, Sport Witness covered claims from Spain that Manchester United are in the picture to sign him.
The centre-back joined the La Liga side on a free transfer in 2024, after a three-year spell with Austrian side Sturm Graz.
He made 40 appearances in his debut season and played 2,736 minutes from 35 matches so far this season.
The defender’s La Liga stats per game are as follows:
- Appearances: 32
- Minutes per game: 81
- Interceptions: 1.4
- Tackles: 2.1
- Recoveries: 4.3
- Clearances: 4.9
- Blocked shots: 0.7
- Duels won: 5.0
The Austria international has been attracting interest from a few clubs in Spain and across Europe.
Manchester United in tussle for signing
Estadio Deportivo mention the Premier League side when covering the latest on Villarreal wanting David Affengruber.
The Yellow Submarine join the chase and are seriously considering signing the 25-year-old. It won’t be easy as other clubs are showing interest in him.
His impressive performances have seen him end up on the radar of top clubs. Manchester United, Atlético Madrid, Sevilla and Real Betis have all ‘underlined’ his name.
A ‘fierce battle is brewing’ to secure the Austrian’s services and Elche seem open to selling him after this season.
The player’s contract expires in 2027, and includes a €20m release clause, affordable for the Old Trafford club.
Elche could use this as the starting point, especially if there’s tempting offers from the Premier League and the Bundesliga.
If that happens, the Spanish club will find it difficult to battle it out. Villarreal aren’t the favourite as of now but have no intention of giving up on this operation.
Sources close to the player inform Estadio he hasn’t made a decision on his future yet, but his preference is to continue in Spain. This could favour his La Liga suitors including Villarreal.
Manchester United must be convincing
For now, Michael Carrick’s side have underlined David Affengruber’s name, and it’s not given further advances will be made to sign him in the summer.
Should Manchester United decide to move forward, they must first convince the Austrian over making a switch to the Premier League as he prefers to continue in Spain.
Transfermarkt value the Elche player at €9m, the highest value of his career so far.
