Manchester United are reportedly lining up a summer move for AS Monaco’s teenage defender Benoit Badiashile, who is valued at £30 million.
As per a report from French publication L’Equipe, as carried by The Sun, Manchester United are plotting a summer swoop for 18-year-old AS Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile, as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to strengthen his options at the back.
Manchester United’s struggles at the back over the past few seasons are well documented. The Red Devils endured their worst-ever Premier League campaign in terms of goals conceded last time out, shipping in 54 goals, leading to Solskjaer’s pursuit of a new centre-back all summer.
Latest reports have claimed that Manchester United are closing in on the capture of primary defensive target Harry Maguire, after agreeing an £80 million fee with Leicester City. But, that hasn’t seemingly stopped them from being linked with AS Monaco’s teenage sensation Benoit Badiashile.
The 18-year-old Badiashile has been part of the Monaco youth setup since 2016 and broke into the first-team setup in November last year, under then manager Thierry Henry. The youngster went on to rack up 26 appearances till the end of the season, scoring and assisting one goal apiece.
Held in high regard within the French footballing circles, Badiashile has impressed everyone with the calmness and composure he exudes despite his young age, while the defender also possesses a solid range of distribution, making him an attractive young prospect for many clubs, including Manchester United.
The Red Devils, as per the report, have been tracking Badiashile’s progress for the past few years and could make a move to sign him this summer. However, given the number of options at Solskjaer’s disposal currently, coupled with Maguire’s potential arrival, they might have to offload someone if they are to bring in the Frenchman.
Victor Lindelof has been linked with a move to Barcelona recently, but seeing as the Swede was Manchester United’s best defender last season, he will not be allowed to leave. Marcos Rojo, who spent more time on the treatment tables than on the pitch last season, could be offloaded though.
Badiashile, who is valued at £30 million by AS Monaco, is contracted to the Principality outfit till the summer of 2021. Apart from Manchester United, there has been some degree of interest from fellow Premier League outfit Wolverhampton Wanderers, while La Liga giants Valencia have also been linked.
Badiashile has shown great potential in his breakthrough season, but it remains to be seen if he does end up leaving Monaco in the summer transfer window.
