Report: Man Utd defender linked with January move | OneFootball

Tyrell Malacia’s Future in Question as European Giants Circle

Tyrell Malacia’s return from a prolonged injury spell has sparked interest from Borussia Dortmund and Lyon, according to Caught Offside. The 25-year-old Manchester United left-back, sidelined for 18 months following knee surgery, faces an uncertain future under new manager Ruben Amorim, who is grappling with the decision to keep or sell the Dutch defender.

Interest from Dortmund and Lyon

Both Borussia Dortmund and Lyon are monitoring Malacia, with United reportedly considering a January sale to raise funds for reinforcements. Malacia’s performances since his return—most recently in a Europa League win over Bodo/Glimt—highlight his potential, but his injury record complicates his long-term prospects at Old Trafford.

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Malacia’s brief stint at United has been marked by promise but marred by injuries. Signed for £14.7 million from Feyenoord in July 2022 during Erik ten Hag’s tenure, he has managed just 40 appearances. His future now hinges on Amorim’s priorities, particularly his focus on bolstering the left wing-back position.

Reinforcements on United’s Radar

Amorim has identified several potential replacements for Malacia, including Milos Kerkez, Alphonso Davies, and Alvaro Fernandez Carreras. With Liverpool ramping up efforts to sign Kerkez, United may need to act quickly to secure their top targets.

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While Malacia’s potential departure could generate funds, it poses a risk. Selling the Dutchman on the cheap might allow Dortmund or Lyon to capitalise on his development, a scenario United would want to avoid.

Amorim’s Tricky Decision

Malacia’s injury history and the inconsistency of Luke Shaw leave Amorim with a difficult choice. On one hand, Malacia’s fitness issues raise questions about his reliability. On the other, his raw talent and age suggest he could still become a key player with the right support.

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Amorim’s decision will be pivotal for United’s January transfer plans and could shape their defensive strategy moving forward.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

The uncertainty surrounding Tyrell Malacia will feel both concerning and exciting for United fans. On one hand, his injuries have limited his impact, making it frustrating to see such a promising player struggle to stay fit. On the other hand, the interest from clubs like Borussia Dortmund and Lyon signals that Malacia’s talent is far from unnoticed.

United’s left-back situation is precarious. Luke Shaw, while a reliable option when fit, is similarly injury-prone. Letting Malacia go without a guaranteed upgrade could leave the club vulnerable, especially with Amorim reportedly eyeing reinforcements like Kerkez and Davies. These players are undeniably talented, but securing them in a competitive market will be a challenge.

For fans, the hope is that Amorim strikes the right balance—strengthening the squad while avoiding a decision that could haunt the club later. Malacia may not have fulfilled his potential yet, but selling him too soon could allow another club to reap the benefits of his resurgence.

The January window promises to be a crucial period for United, and supporters will be watching closely to see how Amorim navigates these challenges.