Manchester United reported to be tracking Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar
Manchester United have joined the race for talented Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar, report ESPN.
The first reaction here is to wonder quite where he fits. With the squad as it is at present, it’s quite simple, he doesn’t.
But the key is that Aouar is reportedly being monitored as a potential replacement for Paul Pogba.
ESPN report: “Ole Gunnar Solskjaer views Aouar as a good replacement for Pogba.”
Heavy competition
While United see Aouar as only a back-up option, other clubs may win the race by simply prioritising him more.
PSG, Liverpool, Tottenham, and Arsenal are all said to be keen. Lyon are ready to cash in now for financial reasons and Aouar has just two years remaining on his contract.
ESPN report Aouar could be available for as little as 25 million Euros (£21.3 million). A bidding war could see this price rise.
What can Aouar offer United?
Aouar, 23, is a player with his best years still ahead of him. He plays as an attack minded central midfielder, and like Pogba, also filled in on the left for Lyon last season on occasions too.
In 33 domestic games last season Aouar scored eight goals and provided three assists.
Data from FBRef.com last season shows Aouar ranked fifth in Ligue 1 for ‘shot creating actions’ in 2020/21, averaging 5.1 per 90 minutes. This ranked just below Neymar, Angel Di Maria and Memphis Depay.
He would be another strong creative mind to throw into United’s midfield, which is reported by ESPN to be undergoing.
At present this is a potential move just on the backburner for United, not a priority. But if Paul Pogba leaves,
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