The Hard Tackle lists three candidates to bolster the central defensive unit at Manchester United in the January transfer window.
The January transfer window is only two months away. So, clubs should start laying the groundwork for the coming winter as they look to bolster their squads midway through the season. One such team might be Manchester United.
The Red Devils are infamous for not having sustainable plans in the transfer market. When they make impressive signings, they fail to back them up by completing the ideal sales. That was the case in the summer transfer window, as Manchester United could not offload Harry Maguire, Donny van de Beek, and Scott McTominay.
Conversely, the record 20-time Premier League winners often fail to get their desired signings over the line. That was palpable in the two transfer windows last season, as Manchester United made panic buys like Marcel Sabitzer and Wout Weghorst. So, with the January transfer window approaching, they cannot afford to be lackadaisical.
Erik ten Hag’s men have already made a horrendous start to the 2023/24 season, winning only five of their first ten Premier League games. In addition, they are third in their UEFA Champions League group after suffering two defeats in their opening three outings. So, they might have to resort to the market to bolster their squad.
Recent reports have claimed that Manchester United will likely target a centre-back in the January transfer window. While they also need to reinforce other departments, signing a central defender might be a start. With that in mind, The Hard Tackle lists three candidates to bolster their central defensive unit this coming winter.
Robin Le Normand
We will focus our list on centre-backs who will not cost a bomb in the January transfer window. With Manchester United’s financial situation not as sound as the last few years, they need to identify alternatives to their usually expensive targets. So, we start with Robin Le Normand.
The Spanish international will not be a cost-effective signing, with widespread reports suggesting his price tag will be around €40 million. While that is not economical per se, it might not be beyond Manchester United’s budget either, especially if a few players move on in January.
Story of Robin Le Normand.
2016: Moved to Spain from France aged 19, signed with Real Sociedad B team.
2018: Promoted to main squad.
2023: Helped Sociedad qualify for the Champions League.
2023: Earned Spanish citizenship, won international trophy with them after 2 games. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/bH4ExZnqbb
— Anthony (@anthonykyaw) June 20, 2023
As for what the 26-year-old brings to the table, his being a left-footed centre-back is his biggest advantage, considering Lisandro Martinez’s blow-hot-blow-cold performances this term. In addition, he reads the game tremendously well while being adept with the ball at his feet. So, he should be atop the Red Devils’ wishlist.
But Manchester United might face stiff competition from several other European bigwigs for the Spanish international. Recent reports have linked Le Normand with Real Madrid, Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Liverpool. While Arsenal and Real Madrid will likely wait until the summer, Liverpool might not. So, Manchester United need to be decisive while pursuing the Real Sociedad star.
Tiago Djalo
Our list will end with a very LOSC Lille theme, with two players who can be top-notch additions to the Manchester United squad. The first player will perfectly fit the budget, considering he will have entered the last six months of his contract. We are talking about Tiago Djalo.
The Portuguese defender has been a solid performer during his ongoing stint with Lille. But talks between the two parties over a new contract have barely progressed. So, a summer departure as a free agent might be on the cards.
Recent reports have linked Djalo with Barcelona. But a winter move from the Blaugrana is unlikely, considering they do not have the salary mass to afford even a cost-effective deal for the 23-year-old. So, that should give Manchester United the opportunity to prise him away from Lille.
The Ligue 1 outfit might also pounce on an offer, considering he will have entered the last six months of his contract in January. Meanwhile, Djalo can play as a full-back, thus adding to the options in the defensive unit even if he does not start as a centre-back. So, the Lille defender should be on Manchester United’s winter agenda.
Leny Yoro
Have a feeling Leny Yoro will be the next French center back to get a big move out of Ligue 1.
17 years of age and shining in central defense for Lille, who have the best defense in France (10 goals conceded) after Nice (4) and PSG (9).
— Zach Lowy (@ZachLowy) October 29, 2023
The Lille theme continues, and this time, we have picked a centre-back at the onset of his career. But like Tiago Djalo, this player’s contract situation has also left Les Dogues in a spot of bother. We are talking about Leny Yoro.
The 17-year-old is one of the best young centre-backs in the world after taking age-group football by storm in his homeland. Meanwhile, he has done well to establish a foothold in the central defensive unit despite still being in his teens.
The French youth international has already made 12 appearances for Lille this season, illustrating his growing stature. But Yoro will enter the last 18 months of his contract with Les Dogues at the turn of the year. That is a situation many clubs will look to pounce on, with Chelsea, Liverpool, Barcelona, and Real Madrid showing interest in him.
But Manchester United can usurp the competition by securing Yoro’s services in January. However, Lille might resist if a suitor submits an offer this winter. So, the Red Devils will likely have some obstacles in their course before they can land the teenage sensation.
