£34M Striker European Giants Desperately Wanted Now a Bargain at £8.5M—Shock Twist as Star Urged to Join Brighton in Stunning Career U-turn Fans Never Saw Coming!

From £34m United Target to £8.5m Bargain: Struggling Striker Now Tipped for Premier League Revival at Brighton

Manchester United’s struggles with recruitment continue to haunt them, with a new spotlight now cast on one of Erik ten Hag’s former striker targets—Brian Brobbey. Once valued at £34 million and on the radar of United under Ten Hag, Brobbey has seen his stock plummet dramatically, now reportedly worth just £8.5 million.

United’s co-ownership under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos has triggered a major shake-up behind the scenes, including a new, youth-focused transfer strategy. The club has made strides toward securing emerging talents such as Chido Obi, Leny Yoro, and Patrick Dorgu. Meanwhile, Ten Hag, dismissed in October, was replaced by 40-year-old Ruben Amorim, who’s now overseeing a rebuild of a squad largely assembled by his predecessor—including underperforming striker Rasmus Hojlund.

Ten Hag’s record in the striker market continues to draw scrutiny, with Brobbey now cited as another near-miss. The Ajax forward was frequently linked to Old Trafford during Ten Hag’s tenure, and reports indicate the former United boss was eager to bring him in for around £34 million. That plan never materialised, and United ultimately passed on Brobbey in January—likely relieved in hindsight, considering the forward has managed just four goals in 28 Eredivisie appearances this season.

Dutch journalist Valentijn Driessen recently revealed that Ten Hag was ready to shell out €40 million for Brobbey, but now clubs won’t even pay €10 million. Despite his dip in form, not everyone has given up on the 22-year-old. Former Spurs and Netherlands midfielder Rafael van der Vaart believes a change of scenery could reignite Brobbey’s career.

“He just has to leave Ajax,” Van der Vaart said. “The connection is gone, and he’s probably playing against himself. If he goes abroad, he can be great again. Brighton would be perfect—I still believe in him.”

Brobbey’s previous snub of Manchester United adds another twist to the tale. In a January interview, the striker confirmed that Ten Hag personally called to persuade him to join United in 2022, offering a significant salary boost. Still, Brobbey chose to return to Ajax, a decision he said was driven by a clear personal and professional vision. In fact, his agent even forfeited a chunk of the sell-on clause to make the Ajax move happen.

Now, two years later, Brobbey’s future hangs in the balance. A move to a less pressurised environment like Brighton could be exactly what he needs to rediscover his form—and prove why he was once one of Europe’s most talked-about young forwards.