Pranav Nair
Simon Rolfes issues ‘hands off’ warning to Manchester United regarding Edmond Tapsoba
According to German publication Bild (h/t Express), Bayer Leverkusen chief Simon Rolfes has opened up to the news that Manchester United are scouting promising young defender Edmond Tapsoba.
The 22-year-old who joined the Bundesliga side in 2020 has now established himself as one of the key players in the starting XI. One of the best young defenders on the continent, his performances garnered him admiring glances from Old Trafford.
United sent scouts to watch the Burkino Faso international and believe he could be the solution to United’s troubles at the back.
Rolfes has now gone on to record to say that the player is not for sale. He further added that it will cost United around £72m – the price Chelsea paid for Kai Havertz last year, to land Tapsba next summer.
“The player is not for sale.”
Having signed for Leverkusen for around £15.5m, the player’s stock has risen immensely in value. The Germans are set to make a hefty profit if they decide to part with the player.
Leverkusen recently secured both Tapsoba and Leon Bailey to new contracts, with the former’s new deal set to run until 2026. His previous contract contained a £44m release clause but it is entirely possible that the value has since been jacked up as per his new terms. (h/t Express)
Interestingly, United are also keen on Leon Bailey. We do, however, face competition from Tottenham Hotspur and AC Milan.
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer recently admitted that the club will have to act responsibly in the transfer market. As things stand, it is unlikely that United will pay through their nose to land Tapsoba at this moment in time.
