Man Utd told why £40m midfield bully would light up Solskjaer’s side

Manchester United target Boubakary Soumare has the potential to impress in the Premier League due to his “unfashionable” style of play, according to one journalist.

United are reportedly looking to add to their midfield this month due to key injuries to Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay.

Sporting Lisbon’s Bruno Fernandes has already been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford but recent reports have suggested that Lille midfielder Soumare is also on the club’s radar.

It has been claimed that United are battling with Chelsea to sign the 20-year-old Frenchman, who is set to decide between the two by the end of January.

Speaking to Sky Sports’ Transfer Talk podcast, ESPN’s Jonathan Johnson outlined why Soumare would be a good addition to the Premier League.

“The main reason why Boubakary Soumare is interesting clubs, not just in the Premier League, is that fact that he is performing well in Ligue 1 – traditionally known as somewhere where you can source good, young affordable talent,” the journalist said.

“Players the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea could add value to. The thing that helps a lot with Soumare is that he plays in quite an unfashionable position.

“Defensive midfield is not one of those positions where too many players across Europe stand out, and for this reason he has managed to stand out.”

Johnson also said that while Soumare is not known for his goal threat, the Frenchman makes up for it with his physical and technical abilities.

 

 

“I’ve seen him being talked about as perhaps adding some attacking prowess to a team – I don’t see him as that kind of player, I don’t think he has that creativity or goal threat,” the journalist said.

“He is surprisingly technical and is a good passer of the ball. He’s also physical and gets stuck in, that does result in yellow and red cards from time to time.

“He is somebody that would add a lot of mettle to a club’s midfield, that’s why you have these clubs after him. The idea that he is a deep-lying midfielder is not correct. He’s more of a defensive midfielder.”

Elsewhere, United are reportedly closing in on the appointment of Luis Campos as sporting director.

The Red Devils have been looking for someone to oversee the club’s transfer policy for around 18 months, with Campos still the top target.

According to The Sun, Ed Woodward has changed his stance on Campos having steered clear of the Portuguese while Jose Mourinho was in charge and wants the Lille director at Old Trafford as soon as possible.

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