Ten Hag Wanted Brobbey For €40m: Hojlund's Rise And Brobbey's Struggle

Mei Lin

4 min read

Post on May 23, 2025

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Ten Hag's Pursuit of Brobbey: A €40m Gamble?

Erik ten Hag, known for his meticulous approach and preference for technically gifted, tactically astute players, reportedly targeted Brobbey as a potential reinforcement for his Manchester United attack. The reported €40m price tag highlighted the significant investment Manchester United were prepared to make.

Brobbey's Profile and Strengths:

Brobbey possesses a formidable physical presence, standing tall at 6'3". His strength and aerial prowess make him a threat in the air, particularly from crosses and set-pieces. He also boasts a powerful shot and decent finishing ability. His style of play evokes a more traditional, target-man approach.

Why Ten Hag Wanted Brobbey:

Ten Hag likely saw Brobbey as a powerful alternative to the more agile strikers within the squad. His aerial ability and strength could have offered a different dimension to Manchester United's attacking play, providing a focal point in the box. The manager may have perceived a need for a more physical presence to compliment the existing forward options.

The Transfer Breakdown:

Ultimately, the €40m move never materialized. Several factors likely contributed to the failure of the transfer:

• High asking price: The €40m fee proved too expensive for Manchester United, particularly considering the availability of other targets.
• Competition from other clubs: Other clubs may have shown interest in Brobbey, prompting a bidding war that drove up his price.
• Brobbey's preference to stay/move elsewhere: Brobbey himself might have been hesitant to move, preferring to remain at Ajax or explore other options.
• Concerns over his consistency: Perhaps Ten Hag had some reservations about Brobbey's consistency and overall ability to meet the demands of Premier League football.

Højlund's Meteoric Rise:

In contrast to Brobbey's relatively stalled progress at the highest level, Rasmus Højlund experienced a meteoric rise, culminating in his move to Old Trafford.

Højlund's Strengths and Playing Style:

Højlund's game is based around his exceptional pace, intelligent movement, and clinical finishing. Unlike Brobbey's more physical style, Højlund is a more dynamic striker, adept at exploiting spaces behind the defense. His ability to stretch the opposition's backline is a key asset.

From Atalanta to Manchester United:

Højlund's journey to Manchester United showcases his rapid development:

• Impressive performances in the Atalanta shirt: He quickly established himself as a key player for Atalanta, showcasing his talent on a consistent basis.
• International recognition for Denmark: His performances earned him call-ups to the Danish national team, further highlighting his abilities.
• Scouting interest from top clubs: His impressive form attracted the attention of several top European clubs.
• Successful Manchester United transfer: Ultimately, he secured a high-profile move to Manchester United, showing his potential for success.

A Comparative Analysis:

Analyzing the Differences: Why the Diverging Paths?

The contrasting fortunes of Brobbey and Højlund highlight the complex interplay of factors influencing a player's career trajectory.

Tactical Fit: Højlund's pace and movement seem better suited to Ten Hag's possession-based, counter-attacking style at Manchester United. Brobbey's strengths, while valuable, might not have been as seamlessly integrated into the team's tactical framework.

Opportunities and Playing Time: The opportunities afforded to Højlund at Atalanta propelled his development. The consistency of game time allowed him to shine and showcase his talent, attracting the attention of top clubs. Brobbey may not have received the same level of consistent playing time.

Mentality and Development: The mental fortitude and personal drive of a player significantly influence their career path. Højlund's rapid progression suggests a player with the determination to succeed at the highest level.

Conclusion:

Ten Hag's interest in Brobbey for €40m ultimately didn't translate into a transfer, a decision that looks increasingly astute given Højlund's immediate impact at Manchester United. While Brobbey's physical attributes are undeniable, Højlund's pace, movement, and finishing ability appear better suited to the style of play implemented at Old Trafford. This situation underscores the unpredictable nature of football transfers and the importance of various factors beyond raw talent and potential – tactical fit, playing time, and individual player development all played critical roles. Do you think Ten Hag made the right decision by not pursuing Brobbey for €40m, given Højlund's success? What are the key factors that contributed to the contrasting fortunes of Brobbey and Højlund? Share your thoughts!