Ralf Rangnick has advised Stuttgart forward Sasa Kalajdzic to stay at the club this summer despite interest from Manchester United, according to reports in Germany..
The 25-year-old has been linked with a move to the Red Devils after impressing for Stuttgart, scoring 24 goals in 58 matches since signing in 2019. However, the Austrian target man netted just five times last term.
With United searching for a new striker in the transfer window, Kalajdzic has entered their thinking given his attributes and record in the Bundesliga. The Red Devils looked toothless in their opening-weekend loss at home to Brighton, in which Christian Eriksen was forced to play as a false-nine.
But it has been reported by Sky Germany, via Get German Football News, that former United interim manager Rangnick has suggested that Kalajdzic should avoid making the switch to Old Trafford. Rangnick endured a troublesome eight months while in charge of the Red Devils, winning just 11 of his 31 matches at the helm.
The 64-year-old was set to stay at the club as a consultant following Erik ten Hag's appointment as permanent boss, however, Rangnick decided to pursue other opportunities. He has since been appointed Austria manager and won two of his first three games in the dugout back in June.
During his troubled tenure, Rangnick vocally criticised a number of members of the United squad and declared they needed at least 10 new players in the summer transfer window. One of those linked with a move to Manchester, Kalajdzic, has been urged to stick with Stuttgart by Rangnick, rather than make the switch to United.
Where will Manchester United finish this season? Let us know in the comments below!
"It is important that Sasa remains injury-free this season and trains and plays at the highest possible level. If he stays in Stuttgart this season, it will not be detrimental to his development," Rangnick said.
Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich have expressed an interest in Kalajdzic but both have decided to explore other targets this summer. The forward spoke about his future last week.
"I don’t know myself how my future will turn out but that will become apparent in the next few weeks or as soon as possible, but I can’t influence many things either," Kalajdzic told DAZN, per Kicker.
Should Kalajdzic remain at the club beyond the September 1 transfer deadline, Stuttgart sporting director Sven Mislintat is confident that the Austria international will sign a contract extension.
