Manchester United are reportedly plotting a shock deadline-day move to bring PSG full-back Layvin Kurzawa over to the Premier League.
According to French publication L’Equipe, Manchester United are considering a move to reinforce the left side of their defence before the English transfer window slams shut on Thursday. The Red Devils are plotting a late move to land PSG full-back Layvin Kurzawa.
Layvin Kurzawa joined PSG from league rivals AS Monaco in 2015. The Frenchman has since been a regular fixture in the first-team at Parc des Princes. In 3 years of his association with PSG, the player has managed to add 10 trophies to his cabinet, albeit all of them being domestic successes.
Kurzawa though, would have been frustrated at how the 2017-18 season panned out for him. The player appeared just 20 times for PSG in all competitions as Unai Emery chose to rotate between the Frenchman and Yuri Berchiche. This ultimately saw Kurzawa not being able to make the French World Cup squad and ultimately missing out on a Winners’ medal.
PSG are also undergoing a change of system, of sorts. Thomas Tuchel has taken over the reins from Unai Emery, who was then snapped up by Arsenal. The French club do not have any options beyond Kurzawa, with Berchiche being offloaded to Athletic Bilbao.
But, that has not stopped Kurzawa from being linked with a shock deadline-day move to Manchester United. There might still be a few weeks left in the European transfer window. But, the new rules from the English FA have restricted the English transfer window to end on August 9.
Manchester Untied have been clamouring in the market for a defender, albeit the priority being a centre-back. But, the Red Devils seem to be facing rejection after rejection. Jerome Boateng refused to move; Tottenham decided not to accept the last-chance bid for Toby Alderweireld.
And according to latest reports Diego Godin has also decided to reject the two-year deal that was on the offer from Manchester United. According to L’Equipe, Jose Mourinho and Ed Woodward are now plotting a move to reinforce the left-back area.
Luke Shaw is the only recognised natural name for the left side, with Ashley Young an able but ageing option. Demetri Mitchell is likely to go out on loan, leaving the left-back area prone to mid-season crisis in case of injuries.
Layvin Kurzawa is one of the leading left-backs in European football. While PSG might not be open to discussing a deal to facilitate his departure, Kurzawa might force their hand by desiring a transfer, should the move reach such a phase.
Manchester United’s preference remains a centre-back. But, should they be unable to land a quality central defender, Jose Mourinho could seek a move for Kurzawa to bolster the backline. At 25, Kurzawa could provide United with at least half-a decade of top-level football.
But, a move for Kurzawa could put Shaw’s future in doubt. The Englishman seem to be returning into the good books of Jose Mourinho after a good pre-season. The player has entered the last year of his Manchester United contract and has already iterated that he intends to sign an extension only after proving his place in the side.
This deal looks unlikely to happen, mainly because of the lack of options Thomas Tuchel has at his disposal as far as the left-back area is concerned. Seems like another rumour as the English transfer deadline nears.
