Better move than Semenyo: INEOS looking to sign elite £44m star for Man Utd
Manchester United are on the hunt for a few new additions to their squad in January. Ruben Amorim’s side are still not exactly in prolific form, having won just two of their last eight games in the Premier League.
However, a signing in the winter window could lift things. One of the players they are linked with is Antoine Semenyo, and Fabrizio Romano has reported once again that they are ‘pushing’ to sign the Bournemouth winger. His release clause of £65m will expire on January 10th, so United must act quickly.
Semenyo is not the only target United are said to be considering a move for this winter.
Man United targeting teen starlet
It is no secret that the Red Devils also want to sign a midfielder within the next couple of transfer windows. Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton, two of the most talked-about players in the Premier League, are both targets but valued at upwards of £100m.
Instead, the Red Devils are ‘lining up’ a move to sign Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, according to Caught Offside.
The Frenchman, who is just 18 years of age, has made a real impression in his short career so far, and United ‘may move fast’ to win the race, having scouted him for a long time.
However, they will not be alone in this race. Bouaddi is a player in demand, with Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool all showing interest from within the Premier League.
Across Europe, the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are keen. As for a fee, Bouaddi could cost upwards of £44m.
Why Bouaddi could be a better signing than Semenyo
“Youth, courage, success” is a key motto of United. Signing 18-year-old Bouaddi certainly fits the bill in that sense. He is one of the most highly-rated midfielders in Europe, described as an “elite level” player by Como scout Ben Mattinson.
His talent is reflected in the fact that he’s played so much for Lille this season. The midfielder, who was born in Senlis, just outside of Paris, has played 20 times across all competitions for the French side, chipping in with one assist.
Bouaddi tends to sit at the base of the midfield for the Ligue 1 outfit, looking to progress play forward with his ball-carrying ability. He’s yet to score a goal at professional level, but does have four career assists, including one this season. It showcases just how good he is with the ball at his feet, with his slick dribbling creating space to slide Felix Correia in.
Indeed, his underlying stats further reinforce this. Bouaddi is averaging 1.4 completed take-ons per 90 minutes so far this season in Ligue 1, and has created one chance each game on average, too.
Bouaddi key stats in 25/26 Ligue 1
Stat
Per 90 mins
Season total
Chances created
1
11
Forward passes
8.3
96
Take-ons completed
1.4
16
Duels won
5.3
61
Ball recoveries
5.6
64
Stats from Squawka
There is certainly a case to be made that the signing of the French U21 international would be better than that of Semenyo.
That is not to say the Cherries winger would be a bad addition to United’s attack. He has 11 goals and assists in 16 games in the Premier League this term.
He is, of course, one of the best attackers in the league. In the summer, he did individual training with Saul Isaksson-Hurst, who later described him as a “Champions League-level player.” It would be a huge coup for United.
Yet, there is an argument to say a midfielder is a priority for Amorim’s side. It is probably the area in the squad where United have the worst depth.
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Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes are first-choice in the pivot; Manuel Ugarte is not good enough, and Amorim still won’t give Kobbie Mainoo an opportunity.
Signing Bouaddi would add depth to the midfield, which is desperately needed right now. On top of that, he is a player for the future, as well as the present. At just 18 years of age, United will get the best out of him over the years.
£44m is not the biggest fee for such a highly-rated youngster like Bouaddi. Signing Semenyo would be another good attacking reinforcement, but the French youngster would help solve depth issues and could be the wiser addition.
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