Manchester United’s interest in signing Karim Coulibaly could end if Ineos looks at Carrington instead for young centre-back quality.
While midfield and the left-flank are Manchester United’s priority positions this summer, there is also remaining interest in bolstering the centre-back options.
This has seen young talents linked, with United looking at Tom Atcheson for example as a new option to add depth to the position.
But United already have very talented youngsters in the position. Now, United have also been linked with a move to sign Werder Bremen’s Karim Coulibaly.
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Karim Coulibaly in action for Werder Bremen
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Manchester United scouts have watched Karim Coulibaly
Young defenders are consistently being linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer, and Karim Coulibaly is the latest name to be linked.
This is according to Sky Sports Germany, as showcased by Scouts in Attendance, with the claim that United are among the top clubs showing interest in Coulibaly.
The 18-year-old is also wanted by Real Madrid, Chelsea, Newcastle, PSG, and Napoli.
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Of the interested clubs, concrete interest is reportedly present from Chelsea, as they seemingly gear up for another ridiculous summer of signing players they have no intention of using.
However, spending big on a left-sided defender who is 18 makes absolutely no sense for the team’s current needs.
Ayden Heaven could easily have the position on lock for the next decade, while there is another talent coming through who could also be better than Coulibaly.
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Godwill Kukonki should be trusted instead of signing Coulibaly
Spending what could be more than £30m at least on a defender for the left-side that is ‘potential’ would not be the best plan for building a squad.
As aforementioned Heaven has already proven and is better than Coulibaly, but below the 19-year-old, United also have Godwill Kukonki coming up through the ranks.
Kukonki is only 18 himself and among the finest defenders in his age bracket, banging on the first-team door and deserving of an opportunity.
Next season, Kukonki will either be playing a part for United’s senior side, or surely heading on loan where he can gain the needed experience to breakthrough.
Either way, United don’t need to add Coulibaly. If Kukonki was playing in the Bundesliga he would be equally as dominant and probably the player attracting interest.
Sometimes, looking closer to home is better than spending big elsewhere.
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