United’s £34m bid blocked as Brugge keep Seys from Manchester United

Manchester United, overseen by Carrick’s former teammate Michael Carrick, have been linked with a potential £34 million bid for Club Brugge’s 21‑year‑old left‑back Joaquin Seys, but Brugge have ruled the player out of any transfer this summer, despite United’s urgent search for a replacement for Luke Shaw and the desire of the 21‑year‑old to join Old Trafford.

United’s primary target remains Newcastle’s Lewis Hall, who has expressed a wish to move to Old Trafford, yet the Magpies appear set to keep him, leaving the Red Devils still in need of a backup for Luke Shaw. Picture: PA.

Plan B emerges

Fulham’s Antonee Robinson and Racing Santander’s Jorge Salinas are also believed to be on United’s shortlist of alternatives to Hall, alongside Seys, who is regarded as one of Belgium’s brightest young talents. The 21‑year‑old left‑back made 55 appearances in all competitions for Brugge last season, helping his boyhood team clinch the Belgian Pro League title for a seventh time in the last decade. His performances earned him a call‑up to Belgium’s squad for this summer’s World Cup and a cameo that caught the eye against Spain’s Lamine Yamal in the quarter‑finals.

What the stalemate means

Brugge manager Ivan Leko said, ‘I see him reaching the absolute top of the Premier League. In my opinion, he has no ceiling,’ adding, ‘He has the talent, the character, and above all, the right mentality.’ Seys’ contract runs through to June 2029, underscoring the club’s long‑term plans. Pro De Michael Carrick.

The Red Devils have been scouring the market, and time is fast running out for the club to find a solution before the deadline. United continue to express ‘concrete interest’ in Seys, but Brugge have been clear that the youngster is central to their plans.

Club Brugge have ruled out a move for Seys, stating that even a £34 million offer would be denied, and they intend to keep him while seeking backup after Bjorn Meijer’s departure. For United, the rejection means the search for a left‑back must widen beyond Seys and Hall.