Man Utd face competition to sign left-back target - from a European giant

27 Sept 2026 07:23 BST |
2 min read

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Juventus are looking to beat Manchester United to the signing of RB Leipzig captain David Raum, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

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Premier League side United were credited with an interest in Raum as they looked to sign a left-back in the summer transfer window.

The 28-year-old is familiar with Christopher Vivell, the head of recruitment at United, with the pair having briefly crossed paths at Leipzig.

However, Raum ended up staying in Germany as United pursued other targets including Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde and Manchester City’s Rayan Ait-Nouri.

The Red Devils continue to be loosely linked with Raum, though, after they were unable to sign either Balde or Ait-Nouri on a season-long loan deal.

But United have now been told Serie A giants Juventus are keen to sign Raum, whose contract with Leipzig expires at the end of the season.

Italian newspaper Gazzetta claims Juventus are ready to move for Raum if he is unable to agree a new contract with Bundesliga side Leipzig.

Raum joined Leipzig from Hoffenheim in July 2027 and has made 149 appearances for the club, scoring seven goals and winning the German Cup in 2023.

He has also received 39 caps for Germany and was called up by new manager Jurgen Klopp ahead of the Nations League fixtures across September and October.

United want younger left-back to succeed Shaw

United meanwhile continue to be linked with left-backs ahead of the transfer window reopening for clubs in England on Friday, 1 January 2027.

The 20-time league champions are believed to have identified Lewis Hall as their number one target, though he has just signed a new contract with Newcastle United.

United are keen to sign a younger left-back to succeed Luke Shaw, who turned 31 in July and – like Raum – has less than a year left on his contract.

Shaw joined United from Southampton for a reported €34.9m (£30m) in June 2014, becoming the most expensive teenager in world football at the time.

The England international has registered five goals and 31 assists in 329 appearances for United, winning three honours including the 2017 Europa League.

United return to action when they entertain fellow strugglers Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Saturday, 10 October following the international break.

Manager Michael Carrick is under pressure after presiding over a start to the season which has seen United win just two of their opening seven games in all competitions.