Ajax striker Brian Brobbey has confirmed Erik ten Hag contacted him this summer about a move to Manchester United.
Brobbey returned to Ajax on a permanent basis earlier this month, joining in a £14.72m deal from RB Leipzig after a disappointing year with the German club.
He had joined them on a free transfer from Ajax last summer but struggled in Germany, eventually ending up back on loan with the Dutch giants in January.
That loan deal proved to be a big success, with the striker establishing himself as a key part of Erik ten Hag’s side in the run-in.
It was of no surprise to anybody, then, that Manchester United were linked with a move this summer.
Ten Hag is keen to improve his forward options at Old Trafford before the end of the window, with Cristiano Ronaldo still likely to leave Manchester United.
Reuniting with Brobbey, who was available for a relatively low fee, would have made sense and the striker has confirmed there was contact.
“Erik also wanted to work with me, he sent me a message on the phone whether I was open to it, but I thanked him (and said no),” Ajax Showtime report him saying.
“I wanted to go back. My friends here, Ajax’s style of play, it just wasn’t finished yet. First, I have to succeed here as a striker for Ajax.
“That’s how it felt the past six months, when I played here on a rental basis. After that I really had the feeling: I really have to return.”
