Varun Pai
Transfer Update: Fabrizio Romano claims Napoli have contacted Manchester United over a loan move for Axel Tuanzebe
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Napoli have contacted Manchester United through intermediaries to talk about a loan move for Axel Tuanzebe.
The 24-year-old star spent two years in the first team under the tutelage of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before sealing a loan move to Aston Villa in the summer. The Villans, however, started the season poorly, but that did not stop Dean Smith from selecting the loanee.
Nevertheless, Smith was sacked in November and was replaced by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard. The Englishman has, so far, not handed chances to his fellow countryman, with Tuanzebe restricted to 2 off-the-bench cameos. But things could be changing soon with Napoli lining up a potential deal for the English international.
The Italian club is said to have established contact with the Red Devils through intermediaries. The Serie A outfit is apparently looking to sign the player on loan with an option to buy, while they are also discussing a loan fee at the moment. The price tag is said to be the key factor in negotiations. But there is yet to be a concrete decision with Villa waiting on a verdict.
Tuanzebe to Italy – a good decision?
On the face of it, there is little wrong with this move. If Gerrard is not handing the centre-back substantial minutes, he could always secure a loan move elsewhere. Napoli could be a good fit with the club currently in the ascendency in the Serie A.
However, this move should not be allowed to be made permanent. Man United tactfully tied the player down to a new deal before letting him leave on loan. Thus, this indicates that he is a part of the future while the club could also use his services in the coming months.
Victor Lindelof recently tested positive for Covid-19 while Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane look off the paces. Thus, if Rangnick feels defensive reinforcements are necessary and does not wish to delve into the transfer market, recalling Tuanzebe could always be a good move. But we need the option to do so if we do let him leave on a loan deal and it remains unclear what our intentions are regarding that possibility.
Napoli are in contact with Manchester United through intermediaries to discuss potential loan fee and buy option for Axel Tuanzebe. The centre back is appreciated but price tag will be key to proceed in negotiations. 🔵 #MUFC #Napoli
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 30, 2021
Aston Villa are waiting – nothing agreed yet.
Alternatively, we could always set a hefty price tag for him and use that money to sign some of our transfer targets. However, selling a talent like the Englishman, who is bound to hit his potential soon, could be a regrettable decision. Regardless, there are several options to consider but Man United need to make a decision that will suit our best interests.
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Chelsea let two young defenders in Fikayo Tomori and Marc Guehi leave this summer for a move to AC Milan and Crystal Palace respectively. The English duo has impressed for their clubs and if it proves to be the case with Tuanzebe, we would certainly live to regret our potential mistake.
But as of now, nothing can be guaranteed. Only time will tell where his short, and long-term future lies. He may not get regular minutes right now at Old Trafford but he could certainly be one for the future. Whether he would be satisfied with such a role remains to be seen.
