Sky Sport Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg confirmed this week that Affengruber, 25, is planning a move and that several clubs across the Bundesliga, Italy and Spain have been scouting him, with Manchester United among those who have run formal checks. Estadio Deportivo also reported United's interest.
Affengruber joined Elche on a free transfer from Austrian Bundesliga side Sturm Graz in the summer of 2024 after helping them win the league title. He had one goal and one assist across 32 La Liga appearances this season, establishing himself as one of the most reliable defenders in the division — composed on the ball, aggressive in the air and capable of playing out from the back with his left foot.
He scored and assisted in a stunning 3-2 home victory over Atletico Madrid earlier this season, a result that brought him to wider European attention. Elche head coach Éder Sarabia described him after that performance as "a beast" with exceptional "fighting spirit and hunger."
Elche are asking around €20million. With Affengruber entering the final year of his contract in June, the club know this summer represents their last opportunity to receive a meaningful fee. He has no release clause.
United's interest reflects a recognised defensive need. Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martínez have both been hampered by injury this season, and while Harry Maguire recently signed a contract extension, the club have accepted their backline requires strengthening before the return of Champions League football next season.
Atlético Madrid have an established relationship with Elche from previous deals and are considered the frontrunners. But Affengruber has made clear through his camp that he is weighing all options — and a move to the Premier League is not something he is ruling out.
At €20million for a left-footed centre-back in his mid-twenties with a full La Liga season behind him, the value case is straightforward. The question is whether United move decisively before Atlético or a German club does.