Manchester United are reported to be eyeing Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana, now a France international regular.
Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana is on Manchester United’s radar. Fabrizio Romano reported that the Red Devils made an enquiry on transfer deadline day, as a back-up plan to Sofyan Amrabat.
A report this week from Italian outlet TuttoJuve claims United remain in the race for the Ligue 1 star, amid competing interest from Juventus, with the Serie A star following United by having to move on from Paul Pogba, at this point.
One team which have done so already is the French national team, where Fofana has made 12 appearances since making his debut in late 2022, amid Pogba’s injury troubles.
Fofana stars for France
Amid continued interest in Youssouf Fofana, his performance for France last night may have been of particular note to Manchester United, if any scouts were watching.
Fofana helped France end their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign unbeaten with a 2-2 draw away at Greece.
He scored the 74th minute equaliser, his first ever international goal. This capped off a dominant all-round performance.
Fofana completed more passes than any player on the pitch (101) with a 93 per cent completion rate.
He created two goalscoring chances, netting his goal from a long range strike 25 yards out.
Positionally he stayed disciplined, from his 120 touches, only two were inside the opposition penalty box. He made 10 ball recoveries, picking up a booking for his efforts.
Fofana has three assists in 12 games for Monaco this season, but no goals, so he will have enjoyed getting on the scoresheet last night.
Fofana could be a January steal
Part of the problem with Manchester United’s first team squad is that it looks very unbalanced, and the coaching staff have not yet found a solution for this.
This becomes even trickier amid an injury to Casemiro. The need to strengthen in midfield could then become more pronounced.
Fofana is on course to star for France at Euro 2024, where his value could soar. If Manchester United sign him in January, a deal could turn out to be a bargain.