Manchester United are keen on signing Edond Tapsoba next year as Erik ten Hag eyes defensive solidity in the backline.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Erik ten Hag would like to bring in a new defender, with Manchester United interested in Edmond Tapsoba. The 24-year-old Bundesliga star was the subject of tremendous interest from the Premier League side but ended up staying with Bayer Leverkusen.
Manchester United ended the summer window with yet another heavy spending spree on essential players. They did finish deadline day with some loan signings, with Sergio Reguilon and Sofyan Amrabat coming in to add to the squad.
Erik ten Hag may seem satisfied with his purchases but would have liked a few more players in different positions. The Dutchman wanted to shore up the defence, where only Reguilon arrived as a backup left back. The manager was keen on a new right-back and a central defender.
Manchester United’s inability to offload some of their current players may have played a part in Ten Hag not signing a new defender and a right-back. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire were both expected to leave the club but things didn’t go according to plan.
With money also a problem, sales would have allowed Ten Hag more room to spend. He could think about strengthening his squad next summer, with Manchester United already drawing up a shortlist of players they would like to target.
One of them includes Edmond Tapsoba, with Manchester United already showing interest in the summer. The 24-year-old Bundesliga star, who has an athletic profile, could suit Ten Hag’s style, and the Burkina Faso centre-back could replace one of Victor Lindelof or Raphael Varane for different reasons.
Tapsoba had heavy links to Tottenham during the summer, but the London side withdrew their interest late in the window. Bayer Leverkusen did not want to sell him cheaply and will continue to demand a significant fee next summer.
Manchester United will join the queue of potential suitors as they hope to snap up the 24-year-old Bundesliga star next summer. They are also keen on his Bayer Leverkusen teammate Jeremie Frimpong as a new right-back option.
Hence, a double move could materialise if Manchester United have the necessary budget, considering both players will carry significant price tags. Beyond that, there are rumours that the club will also look for a new midfielder and a striker when the season ends.
