The curious £43m wonderkid gamble Manchester United could make this summer
Manchester United have been linked with a big-money move for a hugely talented defender
Quite a few reports concerning Manchester United’s work in the upcoming summer transfer window have focussed on their desire to sign slightly more experienced, proven players to fill gaps in their squad – but at least one new report suggests that they might not have discarded the notion of signing a wonderkid or two just yet.
A string of stories circulated on Friday which suggested that United were among the teams taking a look at Werder Bremen centre-back Karim Coulibaly, and 18-year-old who has drawn plenty of praise and attention following a strong breakthrough campaign in the Bundesliga. But how likely is it that United splash out as much as €50m for such a young defender this summer?
How likely is it that Manchester United bid for Karim Coulibaly in the transfer window?
The latest flurry of stories regarding Coulibaly’s future seem to stem primarily from a report by Italian transfer journalist Nicolò Schira, who said on social media that United are “monitoring” the teenager along with a string of other elite sides: Chelsea, Newcastle, Real Madrid, Juventus, PSG, Napoli and Marseille all get a mention.
Confusing the issue, however, has been a string of new social media posts from aggregators attributing stories about Coulibaly and Manchester United to Sky Sport Germany as well – they stated that United were keen on the Bremen defender in April, but have published no new reports since.
The result is that the apparent strength of the rumour is perhaps being exaggerated, with different reports being conflated as though they were all coming out at the same time. But that doesn’t mean that they aren’t true.
Centre-back may not look like an area of desperate need on paper for Manchester United, but there have been several stories suggesting that they are considering an addition in that area once they’ve secured their priority targets, most notably two new midfielders and a left-back. Coulibaly could well be on the shortlist.
With so many other teams linked with the youngster, whose name has been an increasingly regular feature in the gossip columns since the winter window, it’s difficult to say which of his supposed suitors are most likely to make a move – and difficult to know how much of a priority he might be for United. The stories remain very speculative.
In terms of his price tag, estimates of the amount Werder Bremen would demand have also varied, by Sky Sport Germany suggested a maximum fee of around €50m (£43m) back in April. That’s a fee which would price most of the teams said to be keen out, and may have the same impact on United. Whatever they paid for Yoro not so long ago, they will almost certainly focus their spending power on the midfield this summer.
Perhaps the going rate proves to be lower, or perhaps there’s enough left in the kitty after they’ve dealt with their priorities, but it’s hard to say that a deal looks particularly likely – but it is at least a possibility. So what would Coulibaly offer United if they did make a move?
How good is Karim Coulibaly?
As one might expect given his tender age, there have been mistakes, moments where Coulibaly was in the wrong place at the wrong time, instances when his judgement has been less than perfect. But all the traits required for stardom seem to be in place.
The 6’3” centre-half has the height and the power, and his long strides give him an impressive turn of pace. Throw in his solid technique and ball control, and you have a defender who can not only keep up with faster attacking players, but also burst out of the box with the ball at his feet to spark counter-attacks.
His passing range is impressive too, as is his apparent ability to read the game. He doesn’t simply find the next man, but keeps control of the ball for long enough to force opposing forwards to press him, taking them out of the game and preventing them from pressurising the targets of his passes. For one so young, his maturity on the ball is noticeable.
He’s also left-footed, which helps him to stand out even further. Left-footed centre-halves are scarce at the top level, and that alone would make him appealing even if he wasn’t press-resistant and a natural ball-playing defender. He’s precisely the kind of player that modern managers tend to look for.
His defensive skillset still needs to be polished somewhat, admittedly. Despite his height he loses too many aerial duels, and his positional sense can be sketchy. One-on-one, however, he’s very strong – seemingly able to read attackers’ intentions through their eyes and body language and seldom being tricked by a quick change of direction.
Coulibaly has been a regular in Werder Bremen’s starting line-up for most of the season, but probably isn’t a player who would force his way into United’s XI immediately. He needs patience and further time to sand off his few rough edges, and to learn how to better use his physical advantages against the high ball. Still, he looks like an exceptionally bright prospect for the relatively near future.
If United were to sign him, he would perhaps be a candidate to be sent out on loan, not least with Yoro and Ayden Heaven in the squad already. The club may feel they have enough developmental centre-halves to avoid adding another, but the talent is undeniable. Whether they decide to take a chance on that talent this summer remains to be seen.