Manchester United may approach the centre-back market more seriously next summer. Edmond Tapsoba was a player the club admired.
Summer 2023 turned out to be a summer where Erik ten Hag‘s Manchester United did not invest money into the centre-back position.
Striker, goalkeeper and midfield were all prioritised, with United making a token effort in defence by signing Jonny Evans on a free transfer.
Injuries are placing early scrutiny on the position, and it is possible next summer United sees the club go back into the market.
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Edmond Tapsoba contract extension
One of the players linked to the club was Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba.
The MEN reported Tabsoba was high on Manchester United’s list of options, with the Burkina Faso defender admired by club scouts. The outlet claimed he would cost £40 million.
Now he is player who has become a lot harder to sign next summer, after Bayer Leverkusen extended his contract.
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The Bundesliga club announced Tapsoba has signed a contract extension until 2028.
Who else could United target
Tapsoba could still be an option, he would just be more expensive now. Another alternative is Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo, claimed by L’Equipe to be a target for United.
The Mirror has linked United to highly rated young Benfica defender Antonio Silva. He would be an expensive option, but a potential long-term solution.
Questions will remain over Harry Maguire’s future, and more potential replacements will emerge over the next year.