Who is Sheffield United’s newest defensive target? | OneFootball

Sheffield United’s main priority this summer needs to be centre-back. The Blades only have Anel Ahmedhodzic, Jack Robinson and Jamal Baptiste available. Therefore, adding depth is a necessity.

Step forward, the latest rumour from Fabrizio Romano. The transfer expert has reported that Sheffield United will battle Burnley and FC Koln for Etienne Kinkoue.

The French centre-back, 23, currently plays for Le Havre, but who is he?

Academy Days

Playing for the academies of FC Trainel and FC Nogentais between 2008 and 2014. Kinkoue moved to FC Troyes academy in 2014.

At the age of 17, after half a decade with Troyes he headed to Inter Milan. Life in Milan began well for Kinkoue winning the Otten Cup. The annual friendly international youth cup organised by PSV for U19 teams.

In total, Kinkoue went on to make 48 appearances for Inter’s U19s. He loved a booking in that time getting eight yellows and one red.

Plus, whilst he didn’t make a first-team appearance, he had a spell training with Antonio Conte’s title-winning Serie A side.

Moving to Greece

After his spell with the Nerazzurri, Kinkoue headed to Olympiacos B in 2021. He joined the Greek side on a four-year deal until 2025. Although, of course that deal would not be completed. The deal saw Inter receive no fee but they did insert a future resale percentage clause.

Across two seasons with Olympiacos B he made 23 appearances. 19 in his first and then four in his second in 2022-2023.

The limited game time in his second season was due to moving to Le Havre.

Back to France

Kinkoue moved to current club Le Havre in January 2023. At the time, Le Havre were a Ligue 2 side.

He only made 5 appearances in that first half-season. However, Le Havre managed to get promoted meaning he was now a Ligue 1 player.

In 2023-2024, Kinkoue’s Le Havre gametime increased. He made 22  league appearances starting all of them as Le Havre survived in the top division by just three points. With those crucial points helping them avoid the relegation playoffs finishing 15th.

His performances didn’t go unnoticed. With West Ham United showing interest in his signature in January of last year.

Last season, Le Havre managed to finish 15th again in an almost identical season. Although, this time only managing to stay out of the relegation playoffs by a point.

Kinkoue made 28 appearances in the league starting 26 of those games.

Statistics

Firstly, the important stat for all good centre-backs since the giant Harry Souttar. Kinkoue is six foot five making him level with Anel Ahmedhodzic. Therefore, he could give the Blades the important aerial dominance that has been lacking since Souttar’s injury.

Defensive

Last season, Kinkoue won 55.3% of his total aerial duels and 55.2% of his ground duels. His 29 interceptions made placed him in the 75th percentile in Ligue 1.

However, one of his stats conceding two penalties last season suggests he can be rash. But his tackling accuracy and patience will likely improve as he grows in experience.

Passing

His passing stats are stronger than his defensive ones. He had a passing accuracy of 89.2% last season. This stat placed him in the 60th percentile for Ligue 1 centre-backs.

He also managed 61 accurate long balls and created three chances for his team.

In Possession

Kinkoue is seemingly fairly comfortable in possession. Only dispossessed once, he managed 1567 touches last season.

He also seemingly gets forward making 15 total touches in the opposition box. With his time on the ball leading to six fouls won for his team.

Ultimately, with all of these stats it’s worth remembering he is playing for a side threatened by relegation in a top flight league. His percentages on the ball and with passing would almost certainly go up in the Championship. Especially, for a side like Sheffield United expected to be higher up the table.

Takeaways

Kinkoue certainly looks an interesting proposition for the Blades. He would add to an area of the squad in need of reinforcement.

His recent seasons are difficult to judge as his stats are clearly influenced by Le Havre’s own league position. But playing against the likes of PSG and Marseille is great experience. Experience that should translate to being useful in the Championship.

The main issue with the rumour is the interest from Burnley and FC Koln. It would initially seem the Clarets would definitely be frontrunners over a move to the Championship. However, based on his stats and still being in the early part of his career. Personally, a move to the Blades could be a better next stage for the development of Kinkoue as a footballer. As he would likely get more game time at Bramall Lane.