Rio Ferdinand will not be handed a new contract at Manchester United and will be replaced by Germany international Mats Hummels next season. Ferdinand, who joined from Leeds in August 2002 for a then-British-transfer-record £30 million, had been hoping for a fresh deal, but both the player and club have decided to go in a new direction. "After 12 fantastic years, I have decided the time is right for me to move on," Ferdinand has been quoted by the BBC. And now, Hummels of Borussia Dortmund has been tipped with a move to the Theatre of Dreams as the veteran's long-term replacement, the Express are reporting this morning. Hummels, 25, is a right-footed left centre-back and can also slot into defensive midfield. An attacking centre-half, fans will enjoy his adventurous style of play. He is renown for his technique, strength and height, drawing comparisons to both Ferdinand and Vidic, who is also leaving us this summer for Inter Milan. Hummels has also drawn comparisons to Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer. Ferdinand's decision to leave the club could be the start of an exodus at United, with left-back Patrice Evra also facing an uncertain future. Reports this week have suggested we have made a £27 million bid for Southampton left-back Luke Shaw.
Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.
