Manchester United scouts are now extensively monitoring a “world-class” midfielder, who could be brought in as an heir to Casemiro.
Man Utd keen on new midfielder amid Casemiro uncertainty
Ruben Amorim will have been frustrated that Casemiro was unavailable against Aston Villa on Sunday, with the midfielder ruled out due to suspension, given that he has been surprisingly impressive from an attacking point of view this season.
The 33-year-old has been an important player for the Red Devils this season, making 15 appearances in the Premier League, but his future at Old Trafford is up in the air, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season.
It was recently revealed the central midfielder is growing ‘increasingly closer’ to moving to the MLS, which means it is time United started thinking about bringing in a long-term replacement, and there has now been a new update on their interest in Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Man United scouts are now extensively monitoring the Lille midfielder, who is valued at the €60m (£52m) mark, but there could be competition for his signature.
Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City are also named as potential suitors for Bouaddi, alongside Paris Saint-Germain, and a move within France is the most likely scenario in the upcoming transfer window.
Lille are now open to substantial bids for the 18-year-old, which suggests that a deal could be possible, if Amorim’s side are willing to stump up the huge asking price.
"World-class" Bouaddi could be exciting Casemiro heir
Despite still being a teenager, the central midfielder has been impressing in the Champions League this season, being singled out for high praise by scout Jacek Kulig after a top display against AS Roma.
The Frenchman is an impressive dribbler of the ball, averaging 1.31 successful take-ons per 90 over the past year, which places him in the 93rd percentile, when compared to other central midfielders.
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He’d complete Amorim’s attack.
ByTom Cunningham
That said, the youngster may have to improve from a defensive point of view, if he is going to replace Casemiro, given that the Brazilian has vastly outperformed him across some key statistics.
Key statistics per 90 (past year)
Casemiro
Ayyoub Bouaddi
Tackles
3.83
2.83
Interceptions
0.98
0.90
Blocks
2.33
1.48
Clearances
2.67
1.23
Bouaddi could be an exciting long-term addition to Man United’s squad regardless, but £52m would be a lot to fork out, especially considering they hold serious interest in signing AFC Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, who has a £65m release clause.