Five Manchester United centre-back transfer targets valued under €45 million

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4 defenders could leave 

Manchester United require major surgery in the summer transfer window to solve the imbalances in their squad composition. Injuries have plagued United this season and they’ve exposed glaring issues with Erik ten Hag’s current squad. While Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Højlund represent the future, United’s squad is encumbered by ageing players on massive wages with fitness concerns. United are undergoing major restructuring to their football department after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS gained sporting control following their acquisition of 25% of the Old Trafford club. 

A major overhaul of playing staff is also expected and one position that requires immediate attention is centre-back. As illustrated in the graphic above, Ten Hag has been exasperated by injury issues at the heart of his defence and the futures of four of United’s five current senior centre-back options remains uncertain – while Lisandro Martínez’s limited availability should raise alarm. Raphaël Varane and Jonny Evans are out of contract while Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelöf could be sold. All four centre-backs will be in their thirties this summer and United must overhaul their options in this area during the summer window – two new centre-back arrivals seems realistic.

Ratcliffe has already admitted that United will target younger talents with significant potential with FFP restrictions and the requirement for new arrivals in other positions imposing budget restrictions. Therefore, we’ve identified five potential options that have been assigned market values of €40 million or lower on Transfermarkt.

Leny Yoro – Lille – MV: €40m 

Yoro is a generational talent and his performances for Lille have attracted attention from all of Europe’s biggest clubs. The 18-year-old has cemented his place as a regular for the Ligue 1 side, making 36 appearances. Tall, fast and composed in possession, Yoro has been compared stylistically to Varane. Like all players on this list, Yoro could be sold for higher than his market value but Lille aren’t in a strong position with the centre-back’s contract expiring in 2025. Yoro is destined to leave this summer and he should be United’s first-choice target but they face strong competition from Real Madrid with the Spanish giants poised to make an offer.

Marc Guéhi – Crystal Palace – MV: €38m 

It’s understood that INEOS want to establish a British core to United as they approach a new era and Guéhi fits that profile. The former Chelsea academy graduate has proven himself as a quality Premier League centre-back at Crystal Palace. Guéhi has been a regular in the England squad across the last two years and he possesses experience, while still having room for development at 23. Liverpool are also known admirers of Guéhi and Crystal Palace could cash in this summer to fund a rebuild under Oliver Glasner. 

Jean-Clair Todibo – Nice – MV: €35m 

Todibo’s name has been constantly linked with United since initial reports that Ratcliffe was interested in buying a stake in the club. The billionaire also owns Nice, which has naturally led to speculation that a transaction would be simple to facilitate. Todibo has thrived since moving to Barcelona and he seriously considered a move to Tottenham in January. It’s been reported that Nice will look for around €35m to sell Todibo this summer and that would represent good value for a 24-year-old French international. 

Jarrad Branthwaite – Everton – MV: €30m 

Branthwaite has developed his reputation as one of the best young centre-backs in the Premier League with Everton this season. Since returning from a successful loan spell with PSV last season, Branthwaite has been a virtual ever-present and his market value has increased by €20m. With Everton still at serious risk of relegation, Branthwaite could be available for a cut-price fee if the Toffees go down while their FFP troubles are well documented. While naturally left-footed – like Martinez – Branthwaite is excellent on his right-foot and could easily play at right centre-back without a negative impact on United’s build-up play from the back. 

Tosin Adarabioyo – Fulham – MV: €15m 

Adarabioyo represents a fascinating wildcard option. With United realistically looking at bringing in two centre-backs this summer, the Fulham star could prove appealing as he’s available on a free transfer. Adarabioyo progressed through the academy at Manchester City but he’s shone at Craven Cottage. United have badly lacked pace at centre-back this season, which has forced their defence to drop off and leave gaping holes in midfield when they initiate the press and the Fulham star possesses speed in abundance. While Adarabioyo wouldn’t necessarily be first-choice at Old Trafford, he would be a smart signing – which would be a positive change from United’s terrible recent recruitment record.

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