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Manchester United set for transfer battle with “long list of admirers” for young midfielder they are “actively monitoring”

Manchester United are “actively monitoring” a talented, young midfielder, who has a “long list of admirers” throughout Europe.

Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe purchased a minority stake in Manchester United, the club has focused on signing talented, young players who could make a serious impact on Rúben Amorim’s first team in years to come, saving the club millions of pounds.

Sékou Koné and Chido Obi were the first examples of Jason Wilcox’s new recruitment strategy, but since then, United have also signed Harley Emsden-James, Enzo Kana-Biyik, Ayden Heaven and appear to have also completed the deal for Cristian Orozco.

While Heaven is the only one to seriously impact the senior side so far, Diego Leon appears to be closer than ever to his United debut after an unbelievable solo goal for the under-21s side.

Despite the young talent already at Old Trafford, United are continuing to search for more players who could immediately impact the first team, with a new engine room signing the biggest problem in Amorim’s current side.

Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes have impressed in recent weeks, but the need for a new midfielder remains. Manuel Ugarte and the former Real Madrid player could both leave United in the summer transfer window, so a new recruit is an absolute must.

United monitor Bouaddi

Ayyoub Bouaddi is an 18-year-old French midfielder who has already made 66 appearances for LOSC Lille’s senior side, Leny Yoro’s former club. Bouaddi has gained plaudits over the last year, and now United have been linked with the midfielder.

Attacking Football have reported that United have begun “actively monitoring” Bouaddi after watching from afar last season. The Red Devils have sent scouts to watch the 18-year-old on several occasions this campaign, including in a game against Paris Saint-Germain.

Those who were sent to watch Bouaddi praised him for his “composure and tactical discipline”, believing they could be ideal attributes if he does make the switch to the Premier League. Along with the scouts who were sent to watch Bouaddi, Christopher Vivell has also been impressed with the young Frenchman.

Vivell “views him as a player who could develop into a first-team regular at Old Trafford within a few years,” claim Attacking Football.

However, United face competition from a “long list of admirers”. Aston Villa, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City are the Premier League sides interested in Bouaddi, while Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, RB Leipzig, Real Madrid and PSG are also eyeing the Lille superstar.

Bouaddi fits the now and the future

At just 18 years old, Bouaddi has almost his entire career ahead of him, with his best years still a long way into the future, but he has already become a regular for Lille in the French top division.

While United are focusing on the future with the new recruitment, they must also focus on the present. Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo are two signings for the present day, and more present-day signings could boost United up the league even more.

Read More: Manchester United told why they must avoid signing Adam Wharton – “Don’t need a player like him…”

Bouaddi would be a signing for the future, but he could also make a big impact on the senior side from the very outset, especially if Casemiro and Ugarte leave the club.

However, if both midfielders leave United, Bouaddi shouldn’t be immediately thrown into United’s starting XI. He should join the club alongside a more experienced player, allowing him time to settle into life in Manchester before making his mark.


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