With Sir Jim Ratcliffe signalling his transfer intentions on the opening day of the summer window, positivity around the Manchester United supporter’s base is considerably high.
There is an expectation for a defensive midfield purchase, with a series of names linked with mega-money moves.
Kobbie Mainoo has been one of the brightest lights during an erratic campaign, and purchasing a player to amplify his abilities remains front and centre amongst the Old Trafford hierarchy.
Considering the necessity to abide by revised financial restrictions, several calculated acquisitions could make or break this debut window.
Keeping that in mind, Ligue 1 has presented a viable option in a player approaching 20 appearances for the French National side – one reportedly available for a fee in the region of £30-40 Million.
Youssouf Fofana – a formidable prospect
Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana has a year remaining on his contract and long-linked with a move to the Premier League – with Fabrizio Romano claiming United have held interest for over a year.
The man who has marshalled the heart of Les Rouge et Blanc for four seasons has also featured regularly for Didier Deschamps France, lining out for Les Bleus on 19 occasions.
An imposing central midfielder who is powerful, charismatic, energetic and, at 25 years of age, represents a player entering his peak years.
Fofana was targeted last summer but ruled out a move because of his personal goals.
Twelve months have passed, and the player signalled his desire to leave – with Monaco’s Chief Executive Officer Thiago Scuro confirming the club would consider suitable offers during an interview with GFFN in May.
His time in France has caught the eye of many suitors, with the Theatre of Red informed of long-standing interest from Ratcliffe and Co at Nice.
Tailor-made for the Premier League
First and foremost, Fofana offers physicality and pace. His presence on the field is undeniable, and his ability to battle and duel in combative areas is a delight.
He averaged 44.35 touches in the midfield per 90 minutes across last season, ranking in the top 15 percentile across Europe. Additionally, he added 7.68 ball recoveries, seeing his output measure in the top four percentile in the game.
On the ball, he presents an arduous task for any opposition player to manage. His press resistance is undeniable – averaging 53.86 carries per 90′ and only suffering dispossession on 1.1 per outing.
While he thrives in his domineering defensive responsibilities, he possesses the mould of a box-to-box dynamic, often presenting himself in crucial areas to accommodate attacking phases.
But, as confident as he is without the ball, he is equally reliable in distribution phases.
Throughout 2023-24, the Frenchman provided 8.31 progressive passes per 90′ and 6.47 into the final third. These are elite output levels and comfortably rank in the top ten percentile across Europe.
His desire to impact the game in both halves of the field is evident, with 1.43 passes into the opposition penalty area per 90′ ranking in the top 12 percentile across the big five leagues.
For a reported fee as low as £30 M, Fofana represents an opportunity that ticks many of the squad’s requirements.
What are your thoughts on the midfielder, and would you like to see him paired in a midfield trio with Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes?
Let us know in the comments below or across our socials.
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