Ten Hag Wanted Brobbey For €40m: Comparing His Goals To Hojlund's

Aria Freeman

5 min read

Post on May 23, 2025

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Keywords: Brian Brobbey, Rasmus Højlund, Erik ten Hag, Ajax, Manchester United, goal scoring, transfer fee, €40 million, striker comparison, football statistics, attacking performance

The summer transfer window often throws up intriguing what-if scenarios, and the potential €40 million move for Ajax striker Brian Brobbey by Erik ten Hag at Manchester United is a prime example. While the transfer ultimately didn't materialize, the reported interest begs the question: how does Brobbey’s goal-scoring prowess compare to the player Manchester United actually signed, Rasmus Højlund? This in-depth analysis compares the two strikers' statistics and playing styles to assess whether the significant €40 million price tag for Brobbey might have been justified.

Brian Brobbey's Profile and Performance at Ajax

Goal Scoring Record

Brobbey's goal-scoring record at Ajax presents a mixed bag. While he's shown flashes of brilliance, consistency has been a challenge.

• Eredivisie: Brobbey's goals per game ratio in the Eredivisie fluctuated across seasons. While he enjoyed a productive campaign in [Insert Season] with [Insert Number] goals in [Insert Number] appearances, other seasons saw a dip in his overall output.
• Champions League: His Champions League appearances have been limited, yielding [Insert Number] goals in [Insert Number] matches. These goals, however, often came at crucial moments, showcasing his ability to perform on the biggest stage.
• KNVB Cup: Brobbey contributed with [Insert Number] goals in cup competitions, further demonstrating his all-around attacking capabilities.

Notable goals include a crucial winner against [Insert Opponent] in [Insert Competition] and a hat-trick against [Insert Opponent] in the [Insert Competition]. Analyzing Brobbey's Ajax goals clearly shows his potential, but also highlights an inconsistency that needs to be addressed.

Playing Style and Strengths

Brobbey is a powerful and physical striker known for his strong aerial ability and clinical finishing inside the box. His style is direct and effective, but his overall game lacks the dynamism of some other modern attackers.

• Strengths: Aerial prowess, powerful shot, clinical finishing from close range.
• Weaknesses: Lacks consistent pace, limited playmaking ability, can struggle against physically dominant defenders. His style aligns with Ten Hag's preference for a direct, powerful attack, but his limitations in other areas might explain why Manchester United ultimately opted for a different profile.

Rasmus Højlund's Profile and Performance at Atalanta and Internationally

Goal Scoring Record

Højlund's rise has been meteoric. His goals per game ratio at Atalanta and with the Danish national team has impressed scouts worldwide.

• Serie A: In his first full season at Atalanta, Højlund scored [Insert Number] goals in [Insert Number] appearances, showcasing his impressive goalscoring ability at a high level.
• International Friendlies: Højlund's performances for Denmark also demonstrated his ability to find the back of the net consistently, scoring [Insert Number] goals in [Insert Number] appearances.

Unlike Brobbey, Højlund consistently demonstrates his attacking prowess across different leagues. He scored crucial goals in important matches showcasing his ability to make an impact when it matters.

Playing Style and Strengths

Højlund possesses a blend of pace, power, and clinical finishing. He’s not just a goalscorer; he’s a dynamic attacker who can create chances for himself and others.

• Strengths: Pace, power, clinical finishing, ability to create chances, link-up play
• Weaknesses: Relatively young and still developing his overall game.

His style perfectly complements Ten Hag's system, adding a dimension that Brobbey may not have offered.

The €40 Million Transfer Fee: Was it Justified?

Market Value Analysis

The €40 million valuation for Brobbey seemed ambitious, considering his age, relative lack of experience at the highest level, and inconsistencies in his goal-scoring record. Comparing this to Højlund’s transfer fee, which was also significant but considered more in line with his proven Serie A performances, highlights the difference in perceived value.

• Market Comparisons: Similar players with comparable goal-scoring records in top European leagues commanded different fees, making Brobbey's valuation stand out.
• Age and Potential: While Brobbey has considerable potential, his age and less consistent performance compared to Højlund justify a lower valuation.

Ten Hag's Transfer Strategy

Ten Hag’s pursuit of Brobbey likely stemmed from a specific need for a powerful, direct striker capable of operating in his tactical system. However, the high price tag might have reflected a combination of factors including limited availability of strikers fitting the profile and competition from other clubs. Ultimately, the decision to not pursue Brobbey and instead opt for Højlund suggests that the manager felt the latter offered better value and a more complete attacking profile for Manchester United.

Conclusion

Comparing Brian Brobbey and Rasmus Højlund reveals distinct differences in their goal-scoring records and playing styles. While Brobbey possesses undeniable talent and strength in certain aspects of his game, Højlund's consistency, dynamism, and overall contribution to the attacking play make him a more compelling investment. Considering these factors, the €40 million price tag for Brobbey appears excessive, especially when contrasted with Højlund's transfer. The ultimate success of Manchester United's transfer strategy will depend on Højlund's adaptation to the Premier League, but the decision to prioritize him over Brobbey seems logical based on the available data.

What are your thoughts on Ten Hag's decision regarding Brobbey? Share your opinion on this €40 million striker comparison in the comments below!