Liverpool’s turbulent 2025/26 campaign under Arne Slot has been a far cry from Manchester United’s recent revival. While Slot is facing serious questions about his future at Anfield following a shaky title defence, Michael Carrick has managed to steady the ship at Old Trafford.
Since stepping in as interim boss in January 2026, Carrick has won seven of his first 10 games, putting United right back in the mix for a Champions League spot. Despite their different trajectories, both clubs are already planning big summer moves, and the latest reports from Germany suggest they’ve identified the same target.
Leipzig’s captain has quietly emerged as a top summer target
According to TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey, scouts from both Liverpool and Manchester United were in the stands for RB Leipzig’s 1-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach last weekend. While winger Yan Diomande grabbed headlines with his 11th goal of the season, he wasn’t the only reason they were there.
Leipzig captain David Raum is now firmly on the radar for both English giants. The German international was the best player on the pitch during that victory, putting in a dominant performance that clearly impressed the visiting scouts. With his contract set to expire in just 12 months, he has become a massive opportunity in the upcoming window.
The stats tell the story of a player who has mastered his role. Raum has picked up six assists and three goals in 28 Bundesliga games this term, averaging a direct goal involvement every three matches. His underlying numbers are even more impressive; his expected assists (xA) rank him higher than 94% of the league, and he’s creating nearly four key chances every single game. Raum isn’t just an attacker, either, chipping in with nearly two tackles and over three clearances per match. Put simply, he is the definition of a complete modern left-back. (Stats via Footy Stats)
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Would Raum represent genuine value or a costly gamble for Liverpool and Manchester United?
For Liverpool, Raum solves a pressing problem. He provides the perfect cover for the departing Andy Robertson while giving Milos Kerkez real competition for the starting shirt. Beyond the tactics, his experience captaining Leipzig makes him the kind of character you want in the dressing room.
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At Manchester United, the logic is even more straightforward. Luke Shaw’s ongoing injury issues mean they desperately need reliable competition. A player with Raum’s consistency and attacking threat would give Carrick, or a permanent successor, a legitimate top-tier option. The fact that two clubs with such different squad needs are chasing the same man is a telling sign. When two rivals identify the same solution, it usually means the player is the real deal. With Leipzig facing an uphill battle to keep him, both clubs would be smart to move fast.
