Germany defender Mats Hummels revealed that the primary reason he rejected an offer from Manchester United was the Old Trafford club’s failure to qualify for the 2016/17 Champions League. The Red Devils had finished outside the top four for the second time in three seasons, finishing fifth behind derby rivals Manchester City on goal difference.
The 27-year-old defender, currently on international duty with Germany at UEFA Euro 2016, recently made a move from Borussia Dortmund to arch rivals Bayern Munich. Although the transfer did not sit down well with the Dortmund fans, for Hummels it was a simple case of returning home after eight years of service with Die Schwarzgelben.
A five-year contract was signed with the Bavarian club which will see him at the Allianz Arena until 2021. Hummels also claimed that moving to Bayern from Dortmund was “the most difficult decision” of his life.
However, the defender was not averse to a move away from the Bundesliga to play in the English Premier League or Spanish La Liga. A number of clubs were linked with the centre-back in the last few months and he did confirm there were offers.
“Fundamentally, England, Spain and Germany were the relevant leagues I could see myself playing football in,” Hummels told Suddeutsche Zeitung.
“But at this stage there just was not that one English club where the overall package was fitting.”
Hummels explained what he meant by the ‘overall package’ and claimed that just his wages did not have a say but also the club itself and their ability to compete.
“The overall package means a club which fascinates me. A club I have always wanted to join, and where the sporting constellation is right, and which of course plays Champions League football next season.
“And because of the latter, one club was ruled out. And you can envision which club that was.”
There was no offer from Arsenal: Hummels
Arsenal was also one of the clubs linked with the German defender when a move away from Signal Iduna Park was mooted. He was also linked with a move in 2015 but Gunners boss Arsene Wenger chose to sign Gabriel Paulista in the January transfer window to reinforce his defensive line.
“I don't have to beat about the bush, and pretend they [Arsenal] wanted me,” Hummels explained when he was asked about why Arsenal was not an option.
“There was no offer,” he continued. “The same applies for Spain; there was always contact but no option right now. That’s why I now have made the fundamental decision to continue my career in Germany.”
