Man Utd have a golden opportunity to unlock a new level to Kobbie Mainoo.
Manchester United have a prime opportunity to sign Kobbie Mainoo’s perfect midfield partner this summer, with a reported target ‘guaranteed’ to leave his club. Youssouf Fofana is set to depart AS Monaco and could be a match made in heaven to unlock a new level to Mainoo’s game next season.
United have reportedly made a new defensive midfielder a priority in the summer transfer window, alongside a centre-back and striker.
Casemiro is expected to leave Old Trafford just two years after his £70million arrival from Real Madrid, having endured a dismal second season.
The 32-year-old appears destined to become one of Saudi Arabia’s latest blockbuster signings, potentially reuniting with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr.
But he is the only natural defensive midfielder in Erik ten Hag’s squad, with Sofyan Amrabat set to return to Fiorentina after his loan expires.
Mainoo can operate as the furthest midfielder back but truly thrives with more freedom to make an impact at both ends of the pitch.
So Casemiro’s departure would require a replacement who United could partner with their 19-year-old prodigy and captain Bruno Fernandes next season.
And Fofana, claimed to be on the Red Devils’ shortlist, represents sensational value ahead of his likely Monaco exit.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the 25-year-old midfielder is almost guaranteed to be available in the coming months after a stellar campaign at the Stade Louis II.
Fofana is entering the final 12 months of his Monaco contract and reportedly has no intention of negotiating an extension.
That is said to almost guarantee his summer exit amid interest from England, Italy and elsewhere.
Other reports state that Monaco will demand around £24m for the France international, which could be a similar fee to what United will receive for Casemiro.
Earlier this month, the Ligue 1 outfit’s chief executive, Thiago Scuro, hinted that Fofana could be among the players to leave.
He said: “There were good opportunities for him to leave last summer. It was his decision to stay because of his personal goals.
“It was a very good decision for us because he had a very good and consistent season, for him too, as it was probably his best season at AS Monaco.
“He is probably one of the players that we are open to selling. We will see the opportunities that he has. It is still too early to make a decision.”
