Shifting their focus towards the summer, Manchester United are now reportedly preparing a hefty £66m offer to sign one particular defensive solution who Ruben Amorim sees as a perfect fit.
Man Utd transfer news
There were brief spells under both Ole Gunner Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag when there looked destined to be light at the end of the tunnel for Manchester United. The latter even won the Carabao Cup in his very first season.
Both at least enjoyed what is often described as a new manager bounce when they initially arrived. Yet, their exits arrived all the same in what has seemed like an inevitability at Old Trafford in recent years.
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It’s a warning sign that Amorim should take note of, especially since his new manager bounce has been more of a stumble and fall flat on his face. Whilst Solskjaer and Ten Hag enjoyed an instant boost, the former Sporting Club boss has seen the Theatre of Dreams turn into a nightmare ever since he’s stepped foot in the technical area with his side in mid-table.
It’s quickly become clear that the Red Devils are arguably more desperate than ever for reinforcements if they want to stick with Amorim and his 3-4-2-1 system. And that has reportedly seen those at Old Trafford turn their focus towards La Liga.
According to reports in Spain, Manchester United are now preparing an €80m (£66m) offer to sign Jules Kounde from Barcelona in what would undoubtedly be one of the biggest deals of the summer.
Of course, there will be concerns over United’s ability to fund such an offer, but summer sales could yet leave them well placed to welcome the Frenchman, who Amorim sees as the perfect fit.
Whilst Barcelona are reportedly keen to keep hold of their versatile defender, their own financial issues could quickly leave the door ajar for a shock exit this summer.
“Amazing” Kounde is one of the best in his position
If Manchester United want to make a return to Europe’s top table then signing the best that world football has to offer would certainly be a good place to start. And Kounde is certainly among the best defenders in the world. Capable of playing both centre-back and right-back, the Frenchman would be an instant upgrade on the likes of Harry Maguire and Diogo Dalot.
|
League stats 24/25 P90 (via FBref) |
Jules Kounde |
Harry Maguire |
Diogo Dalot |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Starts |
21 |
13 |
24 |
|
Progressive Passes |
5.33 |
2.98 |
3.39 |
|
Tackles Won |
1.57 |
0.69 |
1.36 |
|
Ball Recoveries |
3.57 |
3.28 |
5.72 |
Full of praise for Kounde last season, former Barcelona manager Xavi told reporters: “He was one of the transfers that I asked for. He’s one of the best defenders in the world right now. Stopping Mbappé was a collective effort. Kounde did amazing against Mbappé but Lamine [Yamal] also helped him a lot.”
All signs point towards an impressive upgrade for Manchester United, but whether they’ll have the finances to pursue such a deal is another question entirely. Before anything this summer, the Red Devils must sell.