Playing for Ajax is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for any young Dutch player and Brian Brobbey got that opportunity at the age of 18, when he appeared for de Godenzonen on 31st October 2020, during the Eredivisie’s 2020-21 season.
But for him, that was enough as he made a shock decision of not extending his contract with the Dutch giants and subsequently joined Bundesliga’s RB Leipzig, who have raided the market in order to search for a replacement for Timo Werner, whose absence was heavily felt in 2020-21 for Die Roten Bullen.
However, Brobbey’s big move to Germany fell apart after half a season as Leipzig loaned him back to Ajax in January 2022. The Dutch giants are keen on signing him back on a permanent basis, but there is interest from his former boss.
Big boy Brobbey
Brobbey burst to stardom, playing for Jong Ajax in the 2019-20 season. He is a strong, muscular striker with raw speed and is a player who uses his pace to beat the defenders in a foot race or use his physicality in tight situations.
The Dutchman is very active in the penalty area, as he tends to join his poaching instincts with intelligent movement and finishing ability that has seen him score goals at a superb rate. Moreover, Brobbey can play on either flank, in-behind the centre-forward in the second striker role, or as an attacking midfielder.
Brian Brobbey all-time stats for Ajax:
☑️20 games
⚽️8 goals
🅰️2 assists
📊directly involved in a goal every 42 minutes(@FTalentScout)#manutd#mufc#transfers pic.twitter.com/xsDJkeyYae
— United Paper (@PaperUtd) July 8, 2022
Therefore, he can link up several facets of play in the final third. During his youth days for Ajax, he mainly played as the striker in a three-man attack.
The Leipzig experiment failed, with Brobbey unable to settle quickly. It was clear he had made the jump too early, and returned home, where he regained his powers.
Brian Brobbey stats
To nobody’s surprise, Brobbey did not manage to score for Leipzig in six months. He could only feature nine times, only one of which was a start. However, he hit seven goals and had two assists for Ajax, who went on to win the Eredivisie.
Combine that with the two assists for Leipzig, and it is a pretty decent tally. 10 of his 16 shots for Ajax were on target, and Brobbey scored from seven of them.
That is a frankly ridiculous output, showing how much talent is there. His 62.5% shots on-target was the second-best in the Eredivisie, alongside a league-best goals/shot ratio (0.44).
Brobbey had a solid pass success ratio of 75%, but he fell short in a couple of other parameters. A 38.5% dribble success ratio and winning only 44.4% of his aerial duels will not cut it for a world-class team every week. Therefore, it is best to pair him up with another striker, so the responsibilities are shared.
Brian Brobbey Scout Report
Brobbey is not someone who is too focused on his defensive duties, and that was one of the main reasons why Leipzig loaned him out. He gave away seven fouls, while winning 10. Moreover, he had a 48.5% success rate in terms of duels, which seems to suggest a bettering of his physicality.
Brobbey is only 20-years-old, meaning he has many years of development ahead. However, it will not be easy. The experience in Germany has most certainly shaken him, so opening up will not be easy. It is imperative that he is given the necessary confidence boost to carry on doing his best work.
#mufc hold an interest in striker Brian Brobbey [@RobDawsonESPN] pic.twitter.com/TVL2D1VgAf
— United Zone (@ManUnitedZone_) July 8, 2022
Brobbey can be a major asset for now and the future if guided well. He knows where the goal is, how to be a nuisance for opponents, and set up chances. Therefore, it is no surprise that Erik ten Hag is looking for him again.
Brian Brobbey Transfer News
There have been credible reports of Ten Hag phoning Brobbey, to see whether he would like to come to Manchester United. The Red Devils have severe uncertainty surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo, who will miss the club’s preseason tour.
United do not have any readymade striker, so Brobbey should fit the bill. Ten Hag has already signed Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen, with the club pushing for more Ajax stars. Frenkie de Jong and Lisandro Martinez are the big fishes, but Brobbey could be the most astute pickup.
He will not be a starter immediately, but can develop nicely with time. However, if he does not join United, Ten Hag’s former club will be lucky to have him back permanently.