Manchester United’s pursuit of Luke Shaw’s heir has seen them linked with several left-backs from across the continent. The Red Devils are drawing up succession plans for the English full-back, whose contract expires at the end of this season.
Shaw was outstanding last campaign, but is already on the wrong side of 30 and has displayed signs of regression this season. The 31-year-old started every game in the Premier League last campaign, a feat he managed for the first time in his career.
However, Shaw has appeared in just five of United’s 11 games in all competitions this campaign. The Red Devils are already short of options for the position, with Patrick Dorgu injured and Harry Amass lacking top-flight experience.
The situation has seen Noussair Mazraoui, Diogo Dalot and even Ayden Heaven operate in the role in Shaw’s absence. The English giants are expected to address the situation at the turn of the year, and one of the candidates reportedly on their wish list is Club Brugge star Joaquin Seys.
United could sign a new left-back in January
United’s poor start to the season could prompt INEOS to invest heavily in the squad at the turn of the year. The Red Devils wanted to sign a new left-back this summer, but failed to get any of their targets after investing over £150 million in the midfield.
That decision has come back to haunt the club, which is now 13th in the Premier League table after seven games, with just one win to its name. The English giants are expected to make amends in the winter transfer window, and recent reports suggest they are keeping Seys under close watch.
The Belgian speedster has been in fine form this season, scoring one goal and registering four assists in 13 appearances in all competitions.
| Stat | Jupiler Pro League | UEFA Champions League | All competitions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season | 2026/27 | 2026/27 | 2026/27 |
| Club | Club Brugge KV | Club Brugge KV | Club Brugge KV |
| Competition | Jupiler Pro League | UEFA Champions League | All competitions |
| Apps | 8 | 3 | 11 |
| Minutes | 710 | 270 | 980 |
| Starts | 8 | 3 | 11 |
| Sub appearances | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Goals | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Non-penalty goals | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Assists | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Goals + assists | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| Minutes per goal | – | 270 | 980 |
| Avg rating | 7.29 | 7.64 | 7.39 |
| Shots | 4 | 2 | 6 |
| Shots on target | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| Shot accuracy % | 75.0% | 100.0% | 83.3% |
| Conversion % | 0.0% | 50.0% | 16.7% |
| Passes | 461 | 127 | 588 |
| Pass accuracy % | 88.0% | 93.0% | 89.1% |
| Key passes | 14 | 7 | 21 |
| Dribbles attempted | 6 | 4 | 10 |
| Dribbles completed | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| Dribble success % | 50.0% | 50.0% | 50.0% |
| Tackles | 12 | 8 | 20 |
| Interceptions | 9 | 3 | 12 |
| Tackles + interceptions | 21 | 11 | 32 |
| Blocks | 5 | 4 | 9 |
| Duels | 56 | 27 | 83 |
| Duels won | 30 | 16 | 46 |
| Duels won % | 53.6% | 59.3% | 55.4% |
| Dribbled past | – | – | – |
| Fouls won | 9 | 2 | 11 |
| Fouls committed | 4 | 2 | 6 |
| Yellow cards | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Red cards | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Penalties won | – | – | – |
| Penalties conceded | – | – | – |
| Penalties scored | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Penalties missed | 0 | 0 | 0 |
The 21-year-old’s performances make him a promising long-term successor for Shaw at the Theatre of Dreams, further adding to speculation regarding a possible move. Seys has now provided a key update on his future.
Seys happy at Club Brugge for now
Speaking to Voetbal Nieuws, Seys insisted that he remains fully focused on giving his best with Club Brugge. When asked about the rumoured interest from top clubs in Europe, Seys responded: “To be honest, I haven’t really given it much thought yet.”
The Belgian insisted that he remains settled with Club Brugge, but appeared to leave the door open for a future transfer away from the club. He continued: “This is the club I love, so it’s brilliant that I’ve already been able to play so many matches here.”
“This is the club closest to my heart, so I’d give my all for them. I’m focusing entirely on Club Brugge right now, and after that we’ll see what happens.”
Final Thoughts
Seys fits the profile of talented young footballers that United have targeted in recent times. While the Belgian could be a fantastic addition to the squad, the only concern regarding the move would be his lack of Premier League experience.
Featured image Alex Bierens de Haan via Getty Images
