Manchester United are reportedly keen on signing French international midfielder Youssouf Fofana next summer.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Manchester United are resigned to losing loanee Sofyan Amrabat after baulking at the €20 million purchase option, instead turning their attention to AS Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana, who could be a long-term replacement for faltering Casemiro.
After a 2022–23 season of genuine improvement that lifted spirits around Old Trafford, the ongoing campaign has been anything but simple for Manchester United.
Midfield has long been a problem area for Manchester United, and injuries and form issues mean it’s still an issue. Manager Erik ten Hag desperately needs to find long-term solutions. The Red Devils have Christian Eriksen, Kobbie Mainoo, Amrabat, and Casemiro as their four natural options in central midfield as it stands, but there’s a strong possibility that the latter two will be heading for the exit door in the near future.
Casemiro has endured a difficult season so far in United’s midfield, and while the club are not actively looking to sell him, they would be open to part ways with the player to alleviate their wage bill. Meanwhile, Amrabat, on loan from Fiorentina, hasn’t been convincing at all and is unlikely to be signed permanently.
As per Fichajes, the Red Devils are monitoring Fofana with a view to launching a bid. They approached the French outfit last summer with a loan proposal with an option to buy, but the offer was rejected.
Fofana has 13 caps for France and has been a standout player for AS Monaco since signing from Strasbourg in January 2020. The ex-Strasbourg star can play as a central and defensive midfielder. He has started in all 15 of his Ligue 1 outings and has one goal and three assists to his name across all competitions this season.
The France international still has just under two years remaining on his deal with Adi Hutter’s side, but with his performances since the start of the term seemingly having impressed, the 25-year-old has attracted the eyes of some of Europe’s elite to try and sway him away from the Ligue 1 outfit.
He has the physical and technical qualities to thrive in English football, and considering how he can dictate the game from the engine room, should the opportunity present itself, this is surely a no-brainer of a move for the United board to pursue in the near future.
