Manchester City Enquire About Bundesliga Left-Back During Transfer Talks

After finally announcing the signing of striker Erling Haaland, Manchester City are preparing to strengthen other areas of their squad this summer, with the Premier League champions targeting a new left-back and central-defensive midfielder. 

Premier League stars Marc Cucurella and Kalvin Phillips have dominated reports so far, however, on Tuesday, 90min reported that a new name has joined the list of potential left-back candidates who Manchester City could look to target this summer. 

Graeme Bailey claims that the Sky Blues have enquired about the availability of Hoffenheim left-back David Raum, despite the fact the 24-year-old only signed for the Bundesliga club last summer. 

The left-back, who is also wanted by Borussia Dortmund, was directly involved in 16 goals in 32 Bundesliga appearances last season, as he helped Die Kraichgauer to a top-half finish. 

David Raum started for Germany against England in the UEFA Nations League last Tuesday, where Harry Kane’s late penalty rescued a point for Gareth Southgate’s side at the Allianz Arena in Munich. 

The 24-year-old joined Hoffenheim after an impressive campaign with SpVgg Greuther Furth, where the German full-back registered 15 assists during a promotion gaining season. 

David Raum was involved in 16 goals last season (Aflo Co. Ltd. / Alamy)

The defender was also part of the Germany U21s squad which won the European Championships last summer, and the versatile full-back has since gone on to represent his country at the Olympics and make his international debut. 

90min says that the Hoffenheim star was discussed during the German club's talks with Manchester City surrounding centre-back Ko Itakura, who looks set to return to the Bundesliga next season after an impressive season with Schalke. 

Hoffenheim are one of several sides interested in signing the Japanese defender, after Schalke were unable to activate the 25 year-olds clause to make the loan move permanent. 

Ko Itakura has 12 months remaining on his current deal at the Etihad Stadium and would be available for around €6 million, according to a recent report by German outlet Kicker. 

David Raum is the latest left-back to be linked with a possible move to the Sky Blues this summer, with Wolves’ Rayan Aït-Nouri and Brighton’s Marc Cucurella having both been mooted. 

Pep Guardiola predominantly played Joao Cancelo and Oleksandr Zinchenko at left-back during the 2021/22 campaign, but the position has consistently plagued the Catalan in recent years.