Varun Pai
Fabrizio Romano: Napoli eyeing Manchester United loanee Axel Tuanzebe
According to transfer news from Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Napoli are weighing up a move for Manchester United loanee Axel Tuanzebe.
The 24-year-old is a through and through Man United lad and gained promotion to the first-team in 2017. After spending one season on the fringes of first-team action, he secured a loan move to Aston Villa. Later, the starlet stayed at Old Trafford for two years under the tutelage of club legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The defender was then deputizing in the centre-back and full-back roles. Unfortunately, he could never land a starting spot. Thus, in the summer, he sealed a loan move back to Villa Park. He was impressive under Dean Smith but has only made two off-the-bench cameos under Steven Gerrard.
Napoli are now lining up a move for him. Kostas Manolas recently left the Italian club, and the Serie A side might now be looking for reinforcements as they look to maintain their title charge. However, a move for Tuanzebe depends upon two factors. Firstly, Man United shall have to accept a loan with a buy option. Secondly, Aston Villa need to allow the centre-back to leave.
Should we let the starlet leave permanently?
Playing in Serie A could be some valuable experience for the Englishman. The league prides itself on commendable defending, and those are some aspects the Man United starlet needs to instil in himself. Moreover, some young English stars like Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori, that could not make it at Chelsea are finding success in Italy.
Romelu Lukaku also left Old Trafford with a negative atmosphere but turned his career around at Inter Milan. Thus, it could certainly be a good move for the centre-back. However, John Murtough needs to be smart about this deal.
Tuanzebe turned 24 last month and is a future prospect, also indicated by the club’s willingness to tie him down to a new deal before sending him to Vila in the summer. Thus, Man United need to orchestrate a move that leaves a door open for us to sign him in the future. A buy-back clause or the chance to sign him at the same price as any future suitor could bode well for us.
Napoli are looking for a new centre back. Axel Tuanzebe is considered as candidate only if Man United will consider a loan with buy option – and if Aston Villa will let him leave. 🔵 #Napoli #MUFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 29, 2021
Fenerbahce centre back Min-Jae Kim’s also appreciated by Napoli, as per @DiMarzio.
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Alternatively, we could also send him out on a simple loan move, without an obligation or option to buy him. Regardless, all of this depends upon Steven Gerrard and his willingness to part ways with his deputy centre-back. The English international could still very well form part of the Liverpool legend’s starting line-up, especially if there is a major injury in the backline. Hence, only time will tell how the situation pans out in the coming weeks.
