Manchester United are getting ready for Harry Maguire’s likely departure and are considering Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Edmond Tapsoba as a possible replacement, according to the Manchester Evening News.
The 24 years old is currently contracted with Bayer Leverkusen until 2024, and there’s a chance he could be acquired at a reasonable cost.
United have a selection of centre-back choices including Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, and Luke Shaw.
However, coach Erik ten Hag is pushing for the addition of another player due to the anticipated departure of Maguire, who is likely to move to West Ham United.
The Red Devils have come to terms with selling the 30-year-old English player to the Hammers for a fee of £30 million.
Manchester United have three options in the list for new centre back 🔴 #MUFC
Benjamin Pavard, Jean Clair Todibo and Edmond Tapsoba are being considered as possibile names to replace Maguire.
Talks already took place with Todibo as revealed here; Pavard, keen on the move. pic.twitter.com/0Jfj2jnp4f
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 9, 2023
Tapsoba has attracted their attention, and several Premier League teams have been considering the Burkina Faso player.
The Bundesliga’s official website has portrayed the ex-Vitoria de Guimaraes star as a “strong and extremely fast defender with impressive heading skills,” attributes that could be valuable for Man United.
Tapsoba has drawn parallels to Jerome Boateng due to his combination of speed, strength, passing prowess, and composure. He possesses the qualities to challenge United’s current centre-back options.
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Standing at 6 ft 4 in, the solid centre-back was selected for the Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament in 2021 and was also nominated for the 2022 African Player of the Year award.
Having played in excess of 100 matches since his arrival at Bayer Leverkusen in 2020, the defender has gained valuable experience that should facilitate a smooth transition into the Premier League.
The Red Devils require strong squad depth to fight for the Premier League title and other honours in the upcoming season. Acquiring the African talent would provide a significant upgrade.
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Given the departures of Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe, and Eric Bailly not being part of the future first-team plans, the addition of another centre-back becomes crucial, especially with Maguire’s imminent departure.
