Napoli identify Tuanzebe replacement with defender ‘likely’ to return to United instead of signing permanently

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Axel Tuanzebe faces a tall order to rescue his loan move at Napoli after a disappointing start in Italy.

Gazzetta Dello Sport report Napoli do not hold interest in trying to sign the centre-back on a permanent basis, reporting he is ‘likely’ to return to Manchester United at the end of his spell.

Napoli are keen to sign another centre-back, but describe Tuanzebe’s situation as ‘difficult’ due to the injury problem he has experienced since joining the club.

Indeed the new Serie A leaders have already reportedly identified a replacement, with Fenerbahce defender Kim Min-Jae being lined up for a summer switch.

Tuanzebe needs an upturn in fortunes

It was the summer of 2019 when Tuanzebe really last looked to be on an upwards trajectory. He began the season as Manchester United’s third choice, before injury struck and cost him a chance to make his mark. By time he was back, Eric Bailly was also fit again, and Tuanzebe was down to fourth in the pecking order.

Tuanzebe showed what he was capable of away to PSG in 2020, and then failed to build on it. Perhaps its accurate he did not get enough chances after that, but whenever he did, he underwhelmed.

With Raphael Varane signing this summer, Tuanzebe was fifth choice at United and sought a loan. After failing to establish himself in Aston Villa’s starting line-up, the centre-back jumped ship and signed with Napoli instead.

He was looking for a change in fortunes, and so far it has been more frustration for the once highly rated defender.

Tough start in Italy

Tuanzebe has barely got going at all, playing just 10 minutes in Serie A and a full game of one Coppa Italia defeat in which Napoli conceded five goals.

The United loanee was omitted from Napoli’s Europa League squad even before he got injured. He has missed the past month with a back injury and failed to make the matchday squad again for the side’s clash with Lazio on Sunday night.

It is no surprise then that Napoli are already making alternate plans. The Mail reported United wanted £25 million for Tuanzebe in January amid interest from Newcastle.

Tuanzebe can still come back and finish the season strongly, but the challenge he has, is that Napoli do have good defensive options, with Kalidou Koulibaly, Juan Jesus, and Amir Rrahmani all in front of him.

Napoli are now out of the Europa League at the hands of Barcelona, and there is less reason for the team to rotate.

Tuanzebe faces a tall order to change Napoli’s mind and earn a permanent transfer to Italy, or encourage other teams to invest in him.

At the age of 24, Tuanzebe is at a crossroads this summer, and United would be smart to take whatever we can for him and move him on, to reinvest in a younger defender.