Todibo, Yoro and De Ligt - Eight transfer targets that could fix Man Utd's defensive woes

When it comes to transfers, Manchester United are linked to players more than any other club as agents aim to generate interest and journalists aim to drive traffic. Despite underperforming massively since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, United remain one of the biggest clubs in the world and they’ve spent inordinate amounts across the last decade. Since the start of the 2013/14 campaign - the season after Ferguson retired after winning the club’s last Premier League title - United have spent €1.8b on new players. Only Chelsea (€2.49b) and Manchester City (€1.92b) have a higher expenditure over that period with United’s net spend of -€1,320b is worse than both rivals due to their terrible record of selling players.

United’s recruitment structure has been shambolic over the last decade but supporters hope Sir Jim Radcliffe’s acquisition of 25% of the club and sporting control will signal a new dawn. While Erik ten Hag’s long-term future remains uncertain, United will prioritise signing a new centre-back this summer. United’s issues at centre-back this season are well documented with Harry Maguire, Raphaël Varane, Lisandro Martínez and Victor Lindelöf all suffering injury problems with stop-gap summer signing Jonny Evans playing regularly. Varane’s future is incredibly uncertain with the former Real Madrid defender’s contract expiring this summer amid constant speculation that he’s heading for the exit door. Varane’s inability to remain fit to play consecutive games has plagued his time at Old Trafford and United will target a younger centre-back in the summer with three of their five options past their 30th birthday. Naturally, various names have been linked but we’ve analysed six centre-back targets.

Six Manchester United centre-back transfer targets

Links to Jean-Clair Todibo intensified after it emerged that Radcliffe was the priority bidder to acquire a 25% stake in United. The billionaire owns Nice, where Todibo plays and the suggestions are this would facilitate a smoother transaction. Todibo has excelled across the last 18 months in France after departing Barcelona permanently in 2021 after a successful loan spell at Nice. The 24-year-old’s market value has increased from €12m to €35m since joining the Ligue 1 side and United would have to splash out a fee in excess of that to sign him. 

Giorgio Scalvini is one of the brightest young centre-backs around and has admirers across Europe. Still just 20, Scalvini is already a regular for the Italian national team and he won’t be at Atalanta for long. His market value has soared by €38m across the last two years to €40m with Liverpool, Juventus and AC Milan also tracking the Italian. United have a good relationship with Atalanta after signing Rasmus Hojlund last summer and Amad Diallo previously, which could be important.

Matthijs de Ligt’s career has stagnated somewhat since his stunning breakthrough at Ajax. His decision to join Juventus, despite being chased by top European clubs, was questionable and he’s now reportedly unhappy at Bayern Munich due to gametime. Ten Hag worked with De Ligt at Ajax and Dutch boss has routinely signed players he’s worked with before since joining United - which he’s been heavily criticised for. If Ten Hag remains at United, links to De Ligt will intensify over the summer for the €65m rated defender.

Marc Guéhi has been on United’s radar for several years and he fits into Radcliffe’s reported policy of building a British core. Guéhi has broken into the England squad at Crystal Palace but he will harbour ambitions of playing for a bigger club. Guéhi progressed through the ranks at Chelsea’s prestigious academy but they didn’t insert a buy-back option in the deal, although they do have a sell-on clause. Arsenal and Liverpool have also monitored Guéhi and any deal would be in excess of €50m.

Jarrad Branthwaite has showcased his unquestionable talent at Everton this season after returning from a successful loan spell in Holland. PSV boss Ruud van Nistelrooy labelled the England Under-21 starlet a "complete" defender and he’s developed into a regular starter at Everton. Real Madrid have scouted Branthwaite this season, with Carlo Ancelotti handing him his Everton debut. United are also interested in the €25m rated centre-back and Everton could be forced to cash in due to their financial issues.

Ronald Araujo has been linked with United across previous windows but Sky Germany has reported that they’ve joined the race with Bayern Munich to sign him this summer. Araujo has been a star performer for Barcelona this season but he reportedly has an €80m release clause in his contract.

Leny Yoro's standout performances for Lille this season have attracted attention from Real Madrid, Liverpool and PSG but Manchester United have joined the list of admirers. The 18-year-old has been compared stylistically to Varane and a bidding war is likely to occur this summer. Yoro will only have one year left on his contract this summer so Lille will need to sell or face losing him on a free. 

António Silva is the latest talented centre-back to emerge from Portugal and the 20-year-old has already amassed 7 caps for his country. Sporting Lisbon and Benfica are renowned for producing youngsters and Silva - alongside João Neves - will be highly coveted this summer. With a market value of €45m, Benfica will hold out for a substantial fee but that's unlikely to deter interested parties. 

Homepage