As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United centre-back Axel Tuanzebe is set to join Napoli on loan. The 24-year-old centre-back will join the Serie A team until the end of the season.
He’s had his medical and Napoli are hoping to have him registered as a player by Saturday so he can play against Sampdoria on Wednesday. Tuanzebe is now in Italy seeking a visa, which Napoli is certain he will receive in time.
Napoli will pay United a £500,000 loan fee, with an additional £500k in bonuses possible.
Tuanzebe’s season-long loan at Aston Villa will come to an end as a result of his move to Napoli, despite his desire to make his stay permanent at Villa Park.
Axel Tuanzebe has already completed his medical tests as new Napoli player on Thursday. Deal sealed with Manchester United on straigh loan. 🔴🤝 #MUFC #Napoli
Official announcement in the next few days. Confirmed. @SkySport
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 6, 2022
Tuanzebe has only played eight minutes for Villa since Steven Gerrard joined the club. And he’ll be looking for more game time now.
Despite a defensive crisis – Harry Maguire and Eric Bailly are now injured, and Victor Lindelof recently tested positive for Covid-19 – the Red Devils are willing to let him leave.
As a result, Phil Jones was recalled to the starting lineup for United’s match against Wolves on Monday, his first in almost two years. Meanwhile, more Old Trafford players have left, with Teden Mengi joining Birmingham on loan.
After spending the first half of the season with Swansea, Ethan Laird has also joined Bournemouth on loan.
