Mats Hummels turned down lucrative contract offer at Manchester United to re-sign for Borussia Dortmund because Old Trafford club won’t be in Champions League next season
- Bild report than Man United tried to sign Mats Hummels earlier this summer
- Defender left Bayern Munich and United offered him a lucrative contract
- But he decided to return to German club Borussia Dortmund for second spell
- Bild say that Hummels wanted to play Champions League football next season
- United will be stuck in the Europa League following sixth-place finish
Manchester United tried to sign Mats Hummels prior to his return to Borussia Dortmund but were snubbed by the German defender.
In common with their transfer policy of recent years, United chief Ed Woodward offered Hummels, 30, a far more lucrative contract than available at Dortmund.
But, according to Bild, Hummels declined the offer because the Old Trafford club will not be playing Champions League football next season.
Mats Hummels has returned to Borussia Dortmund for a second spell – rejecting Man United
Hummels was offered a lucrative contract by United but wanted to play for Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League rather than in the Europa League
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side will be in the Europa League having finished sixth in the Premier League and it is clearly proving an obstacle to attracting the big names.
United are on the brink of agreeing a £60million deal for Crystal Palace right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka but would also like to further strengthen by signing a centre-back.
Hummels, the vastly experienced Germany international of 74 caps, would have fitted the bill but he chose to return to rejoin Dortmund for £34m having left Bayern Munich.
Dortmund announced the return of Germany centre-half Hummels last week
Man United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward tried to sign Hummels, according to Bild
United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to add a centre-back as he overhauls his squad
Bild report that ‘sporting reasons’ were behind Hummels’ decision and that playing in the Champions League is more attractive than the riches on offer in Manchester.
It means United will have to turn their attentions to other potential targets such as Leicester City’s Harry Maguire or Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli.
