World Cup Winner Reveals How Man United Manager Blocked His Move
Sami Khedira, a World Cup and Champions League winner, recently opened up about how former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal prevented him from fulfilling his dream of playing in the Premier League. Despite an illustrious career with Stuttgart, Real Madrid, Juventus, and the German national team, Khedira never got the chance to showcase his talent in England’s top flight.
Speaking on talkSPORT Drive at a FIFA Club World Cup event, the 37-year-old midfielder shared his long-standing desire to play in the Premier League. However, that ambition was ultimately crushed by one divisive Manchester United boss.
Khedira’s Discussions with Premier League Clubs
During his career, Khedira was in talks with multiple Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Chelsea. He admitted that discussions with Arsène Wenger and others went far, but for various reasons, a deal was never finalized.
“I had quite a few talks with Arsenal and Arsène Wenger as well,” Khedira revealed. “I spoke to him last year about that, but also Chelsea and a few other teams. For certain reasons, there was never an agreement—maybe it was the wrong manager, the wrong timing, or permission from my club.”
His desire to play in England was evident, but an opportunity with Manchester United was particularly intriguing—until it was shut down by a key figure.
Louis van Gaal’s Role in Blocking the Transfer
When asked if he had ever been approached by Manchester United, Khedira admitted:
“I did. I was told that the club would like to sign me, but there was one manager who didn’t want me.”
Pressed further, he revealed that the manager in question was “a Dutch guy,” prompting talkSPORT host Andy Goldstein to guess, “Oh, Louis van Gaal?”
Khedira’s response? A knowing smile and a simple “You said it!”
Van Gaal, who managed Manchester United between 2014 and 2016, was known for his rigid tactical approach and strict player preferences. His tenure saw him win the 2016 FA Cup, but his style was often criticized. If he had approved the signing, Khedira could have brought elite experience to United’s midfield.
Khedira’s Illustrious Career Achievements
Even though he missed out on the Premier League, Khedira’s career was nothing short of legendary:
- Stuttgart – Won the 2006-07 Bundesliga title before moving to Spain.
- Real Madrid – Secured LaLiga (2011-12), two Copa del Rey titles, and the 2014 Champions League with superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcelo, and Karim Benzema.
- Germany National Team – Played a key role in Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad in Brazil.
- Juventus – Dominated Italy with five Serie A titles, two Coppa Italias, and a Champions League final appearance (2017).
His trophy cabinet is full, but one regret remains—never playing in the Premier League.
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Reflecting on the Missed Premier League Opportunity
Khedira didn’t hold back when discussing how much he longed to play in England:
“I really missed not playing in the Premier League because it was one of my biggest dreams.”
Despite winning almost everything in club and international football, his unfulfilled Premier League dream still lingers. Would he have succeeded in the fast-paced, physically demanding English game? Most likely. But due to timing, managerial decisions, and circumstances beyond his control, it never happened.
Nevertheless, Sami Khedira’s legacy as one of football’s most accomplished midfielders remains intact.
