Shinji Kagawa to join Manchester United before end of month

Manchester United have agreed a fee with Borussia Dortmund to sign 23-year-old attacking midfielder Shinji Kagawa. The red devils have announced on their website that they have agreed terms with both Kagawa’s club Borussia Dortmund and the player himself. Trivial issues such as the Japanese star obtaining a UK work permit, and passing a medical examination are the only matters prolonging Kagawa’s imminent arrival, and are likely to be tied up before the end of June. The deal with Borussia Dortmund is believed to be in the region of £12million, rising to £17million based on performances and success.

Kagawa’s emergence has been quick. After signing for Dortmund for just £280,000 in 2010 from Japanese second division club Cerezo Osaka, he helped his German club secure a domestic league and cup double over rivals Bayern Munich this season, capping the season with a goal in Dortmund’s 5-2 victory over Munich in the cup final in front of the watching Sir Alex Ferguson. And since Dortmund’s star player Mario Götze’s hip injury midway through last season Kagawa has shown he is a very capable support man for his club, helping himself to 16 goals this season, and 8 in 18 games the season before. He was also named in the Bundesliga’s 2010 / 11 team of the season despite missing half of that campaign through injury.

Kagawa becomes Manchester United‘s first signing of the summer, following Eden Hazard’s decision to join Chelsea. It is unknown whether Kagawa will be handed the famous number 7 jersey for the new season of whether United are waiting to finalise another deal or two before they decide on who will wear the shirt made famous by the likes of Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo.