According to The Sun, as cited by Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds United are eyeing a shock move for Axel Tuanzebe. The Manchester United defender has emerged as the latest target for the newly-promoted Premier League club as they look to bolster their defensive unit. In fact, Tuanzebe is being eyed as a potential alternative should the Whites fail in their pursuit of Ben White.
Axel Tuanzebe’s Story This Season
Tuanzebe returned to Old Trafford last summer on the back of a successful loan spell at Aston Villa. He was one of the best performing defenders in the Championship during the 2018/19 campaign as he helped Villans gain promotion to the top flight. Although the club tried to sign him permanently last summer, a move did not materialise.
Tuanzebe’s story at Old Trafford this season, however, has been rather depressing. His campaign was marred by a hamstring and a hip injury that saw him getting sidelined for a total of almost 100 days.
Even when he returned to full fitness, the defender found himself behind the likes of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly in the pecking order. As a result, the 22-year-old could conjure up only five Premier League appearances, which is certainly not unacceptable for a player of his quality.
Is Tuanzebe an ideal replacement for Ben White?
White has been to Leeds United this season what Tuanzebe was to Aston Villa in the Championship last season. They are also quite similar in terms of the nature of their defensive game as both like to move out of the position to press the opposition.
Although White has more depth and versatility, Tuanzebe has the agility and aggression that make him quite a reliable outlet in the backline. He is also known for his discipline and can slot into any sort of formation. However, it is his ball-playing qualities that make him an appealing target for the Whites as they look to add another dimension to their defensive game.
There have been question marks over Tuanzebe’s tackling and a rather timid physical frame that could be problematic in the Premier League. However, it is the youngster’s determination and talent that should go hand in hand with Marcelo Bielsa’s philosophy. Given how the Argentine mastermind has improved players during his two-year spell at Elland Road, we can pretty much expect the same outcome for the Manchester United star.
Hence, Tuanzebe is indeed a viable target for Leeds United this summer, particularly because he is a cost-effective option in the club’s bid to bolster their defensive unit. However, their priority should be to sign White permanently this summer.
