According to a recent report by Sky Sports, Manchester United are showing interest in acquiring the services of Red Bull Leipzig centre-back Dayot Upamecano this summer. However, the same source has also revealed that the Red Devils will face stiff competition from Manchester City, Bayern Munich and other major clubs in Spain in pursuit of the French defender when the transfer window reopens later this year.
It is understood that Upamecano’s current contract at the Red Bull Arena runs out at the end of next season but contains a release clause of £52.5m (€60m) which explains why so many top clubs including Man United are circling around him in the hopes of a potential transfer at the end of this campaign (via Sky Sports).
Upamecano’s Outstanding Rise At The Red Bull Arena
The 21-year-old has experienced an impressive season in the Bundesliga after performing at a high level under the expert stewardship of Julian Nagelsmann so far. He has been involved in 29 matches for the German giants this term and has got one assist to show for his efforts across all competitions. However, to the surprise of many, Upamecano is yet to open his goal-scoring account for this campaign despite posing a significant threat in the air from dead-ball situations.
The Evreux-born centre-half has averaged 2.1 tackles, 1.7 interceptions and 3.3 clearances in every 90 minutes of top-flight football this season (stats via whoscored). The French whizkid has maintained a high standard in Europe as well where he has averaged 3.2 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 3.5 clearances per game in the six UEFA Champions League matches he has played in thus far (stats via whoscored).
If Upamecano can replicate his current form in the Premier League next season, then he could turn out to be a shrewd signing for the Red Devils. The Bundesliga sensation has received a lot of international experience when representing France at various youth levels but is still waiting to get his first senior call-up from Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps.
What Will The French Prospect Bring To The Table?
Upamecano can use his pace and power to make some vital recovery runs at the back and can read the danger quickly as he has a good football IQ. The French youngster excels at making a few crucial interceptions for his side and is usually there in the right place at the right time to mop up any danger inside his half.
He has been a reliable presence at the heart of Nagelsmann’s backline over the past eight months as he can command his penalty area with authority and confidence. Plus, he is always willing to commit to the cause by putting his body on the line when attempting to block a goal-bound shot.
Will Upamecano Be A Decent Choice For The Red Devils?
A defender of Upamecano’s quality will undeniably be a massive coup for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his long-term ambitions at Old Trafford. He will be a significant upgrade over Phil Jones, Eric Bailly, Victor Lindelof and Axel Tuanzebe at the Theatre of Dreams. Furthermore, the French starlet has the potential to strike up a dominant defensive partnership with Harry Maguire at the centre of Solskjaer’s defence.
Upamecano is a perfect example of a modern-day centre-back who could establish a more possession-oriented playing style at Man United. He is often quite tidy with his ball-distribution as evidenced by his pass success rate of 88.8% in the Bundesliga (stats via whoscored). He is also averaging nearly two dribbles per game in the Champions League this season (stats via whoscored). Upamecano ticks all the right boxes in terms of what is expected from a Man United player which makes him an excellent choice for Solskjaer to consider during the summer transfer period.
