Shinji Kagawa has left Manchester United for Borussia Dortmund, as Louis van Gaal continues to put his own stamp on the squad he inherited this summer.
Kagawa left the German club for Old Trafford in 2012 for a fee of around £14million, but he has struggled to make an impact in England. Often overlooked by Sir Alex Ferguson and, last season, David Moyes, the playmaker has also failed to find a way into van Gaal’s plans, with the recent signing of Angel di Maria adding to the Dutchman’s options.
The 25-year-old, who has 58 international caps for Japan, has now sealed a return to Dortmund, who have paid just £6.3million for his signature. Having signed a four-year contract, the midfielder told their official club website: “I wanted to realise my Premier League dream but now I’m happy to be back in Dortmund. This great team, a unique environment and Dortmund is like a family. I am proud they have never forgotten me and I can belong again.”
Kagawa joins the ever-growing number of players to leave United this summer, with the likes of Patrice Evra (Juventus), Rio Ferdinand (Queens Park Rangers), Nemanja Vidic (Internazionale), Nani (Sporting Lisbon, loan), and Bebe (Benfica) also moving. And it appears inevitable that more will follow through the exit door before Monday’s 11pm deadline.
Javier Hernandez, for instance, is the subject of a loan bid from Real Madrid which has been accepted. The Mexico international has lost his way over the past couple of years, and has dropped to fourth choice striker at Old Trafford. His departure may end any hopes Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have over signing Danny Welbeck, but Tom Cleverley looks likely to leave with Aston Villa last week making an offer of £8million for the midfielder.
As for incomings, Daley Blind should complete his £15million move from Ajax before the window closes, and van Gaal could yet move for a central midfielder if he decides that he can’t afford until January to make a bid for his number one target, Kevin Strootman of Roma, who is currently recovering from a serious knee injury.
United fans, are you sorry to see Kagawa leave your club? And who else do you expect to be sold before Monday’s deadline? Let us know what you think by joining in the discussion below!
