Top News

Manchester United’s hopes of signing Nathaniel Brown have been dealt a major setback, with reports from Germany confirming that Bayern Munich have moved ahead in the race to secure the defender’s signature.

Although Luke Shaw exceeded expectations by featuring in every Premier League match this season, officials at Old Trafford recognise that his consistency was largely due to a lighter schedule.

Without European football and after early eliminations from domestic cup competitions, United – and Shaw – had to manage only one fixture per week, allowing the 30-year-old full-back time to recover fully between games.

With Champions League football returning next season and ambitions of deeper runs in both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, INEOS have made it a priority to bring in a new left-back who can offer dependable cover for manager Michael Carrick.

Two highly rated domestic options – Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly and Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall – have emerged as top targets. However, signing either of the young English players would likely involve heavy transfer fees, given their clubs’ reluctance to sell.

This situation prompted United to explore options in Europe, with Brown – the 22-year-old left-back from Eintracht Frankfurt – becoming a leading candidate.

The German international, expected to play a key role for Julian Nagelsmann’s side at the upcoming World Cup, is known for his pace and attacking instinct, often pushing forward to create danger in the final third.

Brown’s record of three goals and seven assists last season, followed by four goals and six assists this term, highlights his attacking prowess and energy to control the entire left flank.

With Matheus Cunha likely to continue as United’s left winger, bringing in a full-back like Brown would have been ideal to balance Carrick’s tactics, particularly given the Brazilian’s preference to cut inside onto his stronger right foot.

However, that plan now appears unlikely to materialise. According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, Bayern Munich have reached a “full verbal agreement” with Brown regarding a summer transfer. Plettenberg reported: “EXCLUSIVE | FC Bayern and Nathaniel Brown have reached a full verbal agreement on a summer transfer. The 22 y/o versatile left-back from Eintracht Frankfurt wants to join Bayern with immediate effect. Even after very positive talks with Vincent Kompany. A long-term contract until 2031 has already been agreed. Bayern and SGE are already in contact. Markus Krösche is demanding up to €60m. The deal could still fail over the transfer fee.”

The Sky Sports reporter further explained that Brown wishes to “join Bayern with immediate effect” following “positive discussions” with Vincent Kompany, the new Bayern Munich manager. A deal binding him until 2031 has already been agreed in principle, with the Bundesliga champions now negotiating directly with Frankfurt.

Although Plettenberg cautioned that the transfer could still collapse over the final fee, history suggests that when Bayern target a top German talent, the outcome is often inevitable – a new signing heading to Bavaria.