Manchester United will need to strengthen the centre-back department this summer with outgoings expected.
The upcoming transfer window will be the biggest showcase yet of the new Ineos footballing structure, with an overhaul expected within the squad.
With Ruben Amorim expected to make the squad his own, Manchester United are thought to be set for a massive summer with several incomings expected.
It is thought that United could let at least 10 players leave the club this summer, clearing out deadwood and unneeded players to give Amorim a squad capable of challenging for Champions League football next season.
One of four positions Fabrizio Romano says United will target this summer is a new centre-back. With younger options seeming to have taken priority.
Now, the links around one top target have developed.
Photo by Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu via Getty Images
Photo by Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu via Getty Images
Manchester United target Yusuf Akcicek now subject of bidding war
United have been linked with several young defenders over the past few weeks, but it seems that Turkey talent Yusuf Akcicek is the priority.
The 19-year-old plays under Jose Mourinho for Fenerbahce, where the former United boss has heralded him as the next Raphael Varane, as quoted by Mail Online.
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Now, according to Sabah in Turkey on Wednesday, United hold a ‘great interest’ alongside Aston Villa in signing Akcicek.
Bayern Munich have also shown an interest in the strong left-footed defender. While the report also claims that ‘significant offers’ have started to arrive for Akcicek.
United scouted Akcicek earlier this month, as he played in the Europa League against Rangers. While scouts will have been blown away with Akcicek’s second leg display for Fenerbahce.
The Turkish wonderkid could cost just £16.7m this summer, which makes it a bit of a no-brainer, considering the last young defender to get Mourinho’s approval was Dean Huijsen.
Manchester United’s defensive group could be completely refreshed after this summer
Of the 10 minimum exits, United have four players set for contract expiration, which includes two central defenders with Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof offering very little to Amorim.
Both will leave, which means United will require replacements and assuming Akcicek is an arrival, United’s back three options could be elite.
Left Centre-back Centre Centre-back Right Centre-back
Lisandro Martinez* Matthijs de Ligt Leny Yoro
Ayden Heaven Harry Maguire Noussair Mazraoui
Godwill Kukonki Yusuf Akcicek Jaydan Nagwashi
* = doubts over future ie. injuries
A set of options like this means youngsters will get chances, and Amorim has a solid seven senior players for the three positions, with Maguire and Martinez unlikely to be at the club beyond next season.
It is set to be an exciting summer, with plenty of arrivals and exits. One thing which is a nice change is trusting the footballing staff to get it right.
Let’s see what Ineos can come up with this summer.