The Premier League’s teams are officially set for at least the next six months, with the summer transfer market closing on Tuesday.
Manchester United chose not to recruit another midfielder this summer, instead bringing in Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho, and Cristiano Ronaldo in what can only be regarded as a fantastic window.
However, rumours have emerged that the club is one of several associated with Brighton’s Yves Bissouma, and that the matter may be revisited in January.
The Mali international, who is worth about £40 million, has excelled since coming to the Southeast from Lille in 2018.
The defensive midfielder made 99 appearances over the following three years, contributing only a few goals (four goals and two assists).
Last season was a breakout season for the 25-year-old, with more tackles and interceptions (174) than any other player and only two games missed due to suspension.
I’m told there remains long-standing interest in Brighton’s Yves Bissouma from several clubs including Man United, Arsenal and Liverpool. Bissouma, who has 2yrs left on his current deal, is happy on the south coast, but one that could be revisited in January. #BHAFC #ARS #MUFC
— Aden-Jay Wood (@AJWood16) September 1, 2021
Bissouma has been compared to Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante, even exceeding the World Cup and Champions League champion in key measures like as tackles, interceptions, and clearances last season.
This transfer window, United were connected with a number of midfielders, including Saul Niguez, Ruben Neves, and Eduardo Camavinga, who were all rumored to be frontrunners for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Reds.
Perhaps their real objective was West Ham’s Declan Rice, but United may use a same method with Rice after waiting a year to sign Sancho and ultimately paying far less than first indicated.
Following Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer from Juventus, Bissouma paid respect to the 36-year-old on Instagram, calling him a “inspiration.”
If United are still in contention for the title by the end of the year, a winter move for Bissouma may be the difference between winning and losing.