With the transfer window looming, Manchester United are finalising preparations ahead of their summer dealings.
An additional striker remains a primary target, with multiple markets assessed – from Serie A to the Belgian Jupiler Pro League.
The Theatre of Red can confirm that Cercle Brugge’s Togolese hitman, Kevin Denkey, is a name being considered by the 20-time Premier League champions.
The forward enjoyed an impressive season, hitting 28 goals and providing two assists in 39 outings – earning the bragging rights as the league’s top scorer.
His performances have attracted the attention of clubs across the continent, with United considering their options ahead of a potential move for the €15 Million-rated man.
But what has attracted Erik ten Hag’s side to Denkey, and what could fans expect from the player?
A brief background on the player
At 23, the impressive striker spent four seasons with Brugge following a period with French side Nîmes during the earlier part of his career.
His commitment to harnessing his abilities has seen steady growth, with notable advancements in physicality and his positional sense in the box.
Without question, 2023-24 has been the Togo man’s most profitable in front of goal, and his stock has risen dramatically – adding five goals to his international tally in the process.
His ability is yet to be tested in an elite environment, but his pedigree is evident, and regular goalscoring will inspire confidence in any player.
The Reds have been monitoring several prospects in the league throughout the season, with Groen en Zwart director Rembert Vromant revealing they were one of many European names to feature at his side’s fixtures.
Speaking with Het Laatste Nieuws at the end of April, Vromant stated: “An average of sixteen scouts come to watch every home match. I have seen the level of those scouts rise this season.
“Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham, Lens, Lille, Salzburg, Leverkusen, Ajax, Aston Villa. They don’t come only for our opponent, believe me.”
Assessing the metrics behind the goals
At a stage in many footballers’ careers, they reach a point of outgrowing a division and appearing superior in many ways. For Denkey, his dominance is beginning to become evident.
Throughout the 23-24 campaign, he averaged 4.26 shots per 90 minutes, with 2.71 shot-creating actions and 1.52 on target.
Additionally, he ranked in the top 3 percentile for non-penalty goals – supplying 0.76 per 90′. Impressively, he achieved a goal-per-shot ratio of 0.5, ranking in the top ten percentile of strikers.
The forward offers a credible threat in possession with 28.08 carries per 90′ – ranking in the top four percentile.
He is a modern line leader, offering a constant outlet for defenders with his imposing size and strength – receiving the ball on average 30.93 times per game.
With 7.61 touches of the ball inside the opposition area, his knowledge and movement have accelerated dramatically, showing a keen nous when making required moves into the critical areas.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is keen to shave expenditure to abide by Profit and Sustainability rules in the Premier League, and the necessity for shrewd acquisitions to bolster the squad is a must.
Signings – like Denkey – offer additions at cut-price options, with a potential for growth amongst a Premier collection of staff and players.
With names like Joshua Zirkzee also being touted, it is clear that Ten Hag is aiming for an additional forward to aid Rasmus Hojlund ahead of a critical campaign for progression in Manchester.
What do you think about the prospect of Denkey at United? Let us know in the comments below.
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