Manchester United’s search for a winger continues as they turn their attention to Reda Khadra. The youngster comes with a pretty big reputation, but who exactly is he?
Another day, another desperate pursuit of a Borussia Dortmund winger. No, not that one. We’re talking about Reda Khadra, recently released by the German giants and now on trial at Manchester United.
With the Red Devils’ hopes of signing Jadon Sancho dwindling, United remain in the market for a wide man, and, as it so happens, Dortmund have another one they’re actually willing to let go of.
Who is Reda Khadra?
A 19-year-old capable of playing on the wing or in behind a striker, Khadra started his footballing education in Germany’s lower leagues with Berlin outfit Tennis Borussia Berlin.
His blistering pace and trickery soon caught the eye as scouts from Borussia Dortmund came back from the capital with glowing references. Not long after, he travelled west and completed his move to the Signal Iduna Park.
Khadra went on to rise through the youth ranks, excelling at U16, U17 and U19 level. He played a starring role in the club’s capture of the UEFA Youth League, and has a total of 69 club appearances to his name, including two goals and 11 assists.
Despite representing Germany’s U18s — while also being eligible to play for Lebanon — the winger has since failed to make the final step up to senior level and was recently let go by Dortmund.
Now a free agent, Khadra is on the lookout for a new club. He still has bags of potential, and recently spent time in England training with Stoke City, so it’ll be interesting to see whether he can win over United’s coaching staff.
Reda Khadra was the trialist due to start for #MUFC Under-23s against Doncaster but the winger wasn’t able to play in the end. The 19-year-old Germany youth international left Borussia Dortmund in July having come through the youth system, according to Transfermarkt
— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) September 3, 2020
Khadra’s trial at Man Utd
The winger was set to make his debut for United’s U23 side last week when they took on Doncaster. Unfortunately, Khadra failed to gain international clearance in time, leaving him to play a spectating role as Doncaster ran out 5-0 winners.
United will take on Salford City next with Neil Wood’s side hoping for a better result. In the meantime, Khadra continues to train hard with the squad in the hopes of earning a professional contract.
The club’s iconic number seven shirt currently remains vacant for next season, with Mason Greenwood instead taking number 11. It remains to be seen who will get the honour of donning the number once worn by the likes of Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The honour is unlikely to be Khadra’s next season, but that’s not to say it couldn’t be his shirt in years to come. For now, he must convince United’s hierarchy of his talent and hope his management, Ortega Sports International UG, can thrash out a deal with the club to complete what would be a dream move.
More Manchester United
‘He did the most audacious piece of skill’ – Ronaldo’s early days at Man Utd
Ranking Manchester United’s 21 weirdest Premier League signings
The day Sir Alex Ferguson subbed himself on to play for Man Utd
Can you name the last four players to wear numbers 1-11 at Man Utd?