According to Teamtalk, Manchester United have already made contact with the representatives of Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Edmond Tapsoba over a potential summer move.
The Red Devils have primarily focused on strengthening their midfield department during the ongoing transfer window, and have already recruited Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos. Talks are also advancing with Brighton & Hove Albion for Carlos Baleba despite the Cameroonian being sidelined with an ankle injury for the next few weeks.
Meanwhile, United may also seek to reinforce their defence before the transfer deadline and Teamtalk claim that the club have the upper hand over Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United in the pursuit of Tapsoba. All three clubs have made contact with the player’s entourage, but the Red Devils are the ‘most advanced’ in negotiations.
Leverkusen extended Tapsoba’s contract until June 2031 earlier this year, but they have left the door open to accepting a suitable financial offer. The Bundesliga heavyweights could part ways with the Burkina Faso international for around £42.8 million.
Experienced solution
Tapsoba is a right-footed central defender, but he has primarily featured as the left centre-back for Leverkusen. That is a position where United have some concern due to the sketchy fitness record of Lisandro Martinez. The Argentine is one of the first names on paper when fit, but he has been prone to several injuries since he arrived at United from Ajax.
Ayden Heaven is presently the only left-footed centre-back in the first-team squad aside from Martinez. Ideally, manager Michael Carrick may want another left-footed solution, but we won’t be surprised if Tapsoba is considered, given he can comfortably play in the role. The 27-year-old has the physical and technical attributes to suit the demands of the Premier League.
Tapsoba had a passing accuracy of 91% in the German top-flight last term. He also won 4 duels per game with 5 clearances and 5 recoveries. The Burkina Faso man would be a good addition to the United ranks. He is in the prime phase of his career at 27 and the reported asking price would make him a bargain signing, considering the huge inflated transfer deals this summer.
United seem focused on landing a new left-back to support Luke Shaw at the moment, but a central defender could be targeted too if they can secure extra funds from player sales. Spurs and Newcastle are likewise keen on Tapsoba, but United should have an advantage with Champions League football at their disposal for the upcoming campaign.
