Man Utd eye £30m left‑back in January as Raum gives consent

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick says the club have a green light to sign RB Leipzig left‑back David Raum in the January window, with the 28‑year‑old reportedly agreeing to a £30 million move. Raum, Leipzig captain with 39 Germany caps, could replace the injury‑prone Luke Shaw.

Summer chase and Newcastle’s price tag

During the summer window Raum was one of many left‑backs linked with Manchester United. Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall was widely reported as United’s preferred long‑term replacement for Luke Shaw, but the Magpies set a £70 million price after selling Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali.

Manchester United, having already spent roughly £150 million on midfielders Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, decided not to meet Newcastle’s demand. Hall subsequently signed a new contract with the Magpies, leaving United without a confirmed successor for the injury‑prone England international Luke Shaw.

Raum emerges as January target

According to reports, the 28‑year‑old David Raum has given United a green light for a January switch, with the £30 million‑rated left‑back reportedly saying yes. Raum has amassed 149 appearances for RB Leipzig since 2022 and captained the side last season, adding 39 caps for Germany to his résumé.

He is entering the final year of his contract, prompting Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schäfer to confirm that extension talks are planned but no agreement has been reached. The club is determined to avoid a free transfer, while Raum keeps his focus on performances under new head coach Martín Demichelis.

United’s need for a reliable left‑back is heightened by Shaw’s injury record and the limited impact of Patrick Dorgu, who has struggled to provide adequate cover. The pressure on Leipzig and Raum’s openness make him a realistic January option for the Red Devils.

Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde is also mentioned as a possible alternative, with the Spanish giants having demanded £30 million for the 22‑year‑old in the summer. Balde, who has only logged 12 minutes of La Liga action, is reportedly more receptive to a move this winter, improving United’s chances of securing a quality left‑back.