Manchester United Leading Race For Highly Talented Marseille Midfielder: Is He Needed At Old Trafford? | OneFootball

Recent reports from Spanish media outlet Marca state that Manchester United are keen on signing Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara in the ongoing transfer window as Ralf Rangnick looks set to add to his options at the centre of the park.

The Frenchman has six months left on his current contract at the Orange Velodrome; however, the Ligue 1 side are reluctant to lose him on a free transfer. As a result, he could be available for as low as £5 million by the end of this month.

Real Madrid, Barcelona, Newcastle United, and West Ham United are also believed to be interested in the 22-year-old’s signature.

Kamara’s Steady Rise In France

Having come through the ranks at Marseille, Boubacar Kamara made his professional debut for the club in a Coupe de la Ligue match in December 2016. Over the course of the last five seasons, he has made 146 appearances for the senior side, even captaining the team on several occasions this term.

Marseille’s French defender Boubacar Kamara gestures during the French L1 football match between Marseille and Saint-Etienne at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille, southern France on August 28, 2021. (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT/AFP via Getty Images)

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The 22-year-old has managed to put some awe-inspiring numbers on the board this season – averaging 1.5 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 0.9 clearances, 0.3 blocks, 0.9 key passes, 2.3 long balls per 90 minutes in the French top-flight (calculated over 19 appearances). Furthermore, with an average WhoScored rating of 6.80, he has been one of the standout players on his side thus far.

Although Kamara is yet to make his debut for France’s senior side, he has represented them at every level – from the U17’s to the U-21’s. Versatility is one of his prime strengths, often allowing him to slot in as a centre-back in the hour of need (besides a defensive midfielder, of course).

Is He Needed At Old Trafford?

It’s no surprise that Manchester United are in dire need of a holding midfielder – someone with an impressive work rate, an exceptional passing range, and capable of exerting aerial dominance – and Kamara fits the bill perfectly.

His arrival would also provide competition to the duo of Fred and Scott McTominay in the middle of the park while clearing the exit paths for Paul Pogba and Donny van de Beek.

Hence, Rangnick should go all out for his signature in the ongoing transfer window.

(Stats from WhoScored)