Earlier this month Ghanaian winger Kamaldeen Sulemana ended the speculation over whether he would join Ajax or Manchester United. He chose neither.
Sulemana ended up taking the third option, signing a deal with French side Rennes.
The Mail reported in May that United were serious about signing Sulemana, who had impressed for Danish side FC Nordsjaelland.
United were obviously less serious than that report suggested, and in June, Ajax seemed close to a move. But Voetball Primeur claimed Sulemana was dragging his heels, awaiting a better offer, speculated to be from United.
It turned out to be Rennes, who paid just over £10 million to sign the teenager.
This week Sulemana has been explaining his decision, and says he felt the move was the right one for him at this stage of his career.
Sulemana was quoted by Goal speaking at his unveiling: “I chose here based on my playing time and I think there’s a better chance of me playing more here than any other place, and I’ll play against great teams here as well.”
A sensible choice
There is no arguing with Sulemana’s decision. He is a very talented young attacker, but it was impossible to see where the 19-year-old would fit in at Old Trafford.
United are suddenly better off in forward areas than in a long time, with Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Edinson Cavani, Mason Greenwood, and Anthony Martial, supported by understudies Amad, Dan James, Anthony Elanga, and Facundo Pellistri.
Quite where Sulemana was supposed to fit in was anybody’s guess. He would have been left needing a loan to gain experience, and even then, there would have been no clear route to first team football.
United will likely keep monitoring him, and in a few years, he may be at the level to force his way into the Red Devils starting XI. He will also be a bit more costly too.
The other interesting side-note to this transfer is that Rennes are spending money. United are reported to be interested in Eduardo Camavinga, report The Guardian, who they could have to sell as he has just one year left on his contract.
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