Manchester United and Chelsea have emerged as frontrunners to sign Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey for a reported €55 million fee, following his standout performances for the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup.
The 24-year-old forward scored three goals during the tournament, which was held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Heskey Praises Brobbey's Potential
Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey shared his insights with Voetbalzone, noting that Brobbey has the quality to compete at a higher level.
“With all due respect to Sunderland, achieving European football was a great achievement. Yet I think Brobbey is a player who can handle the Champions League level.
Aston Villa could be a good next step for him,” Heskey said.
Heskey compared Brobbey's physical style to his own, saying, “I was slightly bigger than Brobbey, but you see he likes to engage defenders.
He loves to fight for the ball and physically confront opponents. I enjoyed doing that too.
Additionally, he is often found in the penalty area.”
Heskey also praised Virgil van Dijk's leadership and Ryan Gravenberch's potential under incoming manager Andoni Iraola.
Potter Defends Hien After Defeat
Sweden coach Graham Potter defended his center-back Isak Hien after a 5-1 loss to the Netherlands, where Brobbey scored twice.
“People like to pick a scapegoat. They blame him now and feel better.
Brobbey is strong, a beast of a player. That challenges every defender.
I love Hien, whatever others say. As long as I am coach, he will always play,” Potter said.
Potter took responsibility for the tactical breakdown, adding, “If someone must be blamed, it's me.
He does everything to represent his country well and now suffers because his opponent scored.”
Specialized Training with Patrick Woerst
Brobbey's rapid improvement is linked to training with Rotterdam-based tactical coach Patrick Woerst, as reported by Rijnmond. nl.
Woerst revealed that Denzel Dumfries initiated their connection over a year ago.
“Brobbey has a link with another Rotterdammer, Denzel Dumfries, with whom I have worked for over five years.
He recommended Brian to work with me, and we started last April,” Woerst said.
Woerst's training focuses on three pillars: scanning the field, positioning, and communication. “Together with Brian, I look at all his goals and rewind ten seconds.
We see what he does to make the choices he ultimately makes. The goals against Sweden were beautiful because they came largely from good positioning,” he explained.
The collaboration began with the goal of returning Brobbey to the national team after an inconsistent club phase.
“When we started training, that was the aim: returning to the Dutch team after a difficult period.
And perhaps then he could go to the World Cup,” Woerst said.
Woerst expressed confidence in Brobbey's future, stating, “If I see how he has grown in a year and what he did in England, I think he will only continue to grow.”
