Atletico Madrid Close To Signing Manchester United Target: What Should Be Rangnick’s Play?

Recent reports from GOAL state that Atletico Madrid are keen on signing Manchester United target Boubacar Kamara in the upcoming transfer window as Diego Simeone looks set to add to his options at the centre of the park.

The Frenchman has less than four months left on his current contract at the Orange Velodrome, so a free transfer seems inevitable at the end of the season.

‘Boubacar Kamara will see his contract at Marseille expire on June 30, with extension offers in France being knocked back, and GOAL has learned that Atletico Madrid are now leading the race for his signature.’ – The report read.

‘The Liga giants are confident that their efforts will be rewarded as they believe a highly-rated 22-year-old wants to make a switch to Wanda Metropolitano as a free agent this summer.’

Bayern Munich, Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton are also believed to be interested in the 22-year-old’s signature.

Kamara’s Steady Rise In France

Having come through the ranks at Marseille, Boubacar Kamara made his professional debut for the club in a Coupe de la Ligue match in December 2016. Over the course of the last five seasons, he has made 158 appearances for the senior side, even captaining the team on several occasions this term.

The 22-year-old has managed to put some awe-inspiring numbers on the board this season – averaging two tackles, 1.2 interceptions, 1.1 clearances, 0.3 blocks, 0.8 key passes, three long balls per 90 minutes in the French top-flight (calculated over 25 appearances). Furthermore, with an average WhoScored rating of 6.85, he has been one of the standout players on his side thus far.

Although Kamara is yet to make his debut for France’s senior side, he has represented them at every level – from the U17s to the U-21s. Versatility is one of his prime strengths, often allowing him to slot in as a centre-back in the hour of need (besides a defensive midfielder, of course).

What Should Be Rangnick’s Play?

It’s no surprise that Manchester United are in dire need of a holding midfielder – someone with an impressive work rate, an exceptional passing range, and capable of exerting aerial dominance – and Kamara fits the bill perfectly.

His arrival would also provide competition for the duo of Fred and Scott McTominay in the middle of the park while opening the exit paths for Paul Pogba and Donny van de Beek.

Hence, Ralf Rangnick should go all out to secure his services on a free ahead of Atletico Madrid.

(Stats from WhoScored)