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Opinion Piece

Should Man Utd break the bank to sign Wesley Fofana?

Manchester United are reportedly considering making a big-money bid for Leicester City centre-back Wesley Fofana, via reports in France.

According to Foot Mercato, the Red Devils are entertaining the idea of bringing another central defender from the King Power Stadium following the record-breaking signing of Harry Maguire in summer 2019.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking to pair his captain up with another top-level defender next season, with Fofana perfectly fitting the profile.

The France U21 international has been in sublime form since completing his £36.5 million move from Saint-Etienne in the previous summer transfer window.

The 22-year-old has made 20 Premier League starts this season, establishing himself as one of Brendan Rodgers’ key first-team players.

Leicester tied their defensive jewel to a five-year contract last summer and are unlikely to be in a hurry to sell him.

Besides, Rodgers holds Fofana in high esteem and deems him crucial to his plans for next season, especially with the prospect of Champions League football well within the Foxes’ grasp.

In their efforts to deter United from trying to mirror the Maguire deal, Leicester have pinned an eye-watering £80m price tag on his head.

What’s Leciester’s stance on Fofana?

As mentioned before, Fofana is one of Rodgers’ most trusted allies as the British manager looks to build his defence around the French starlet.

The King Power outfit have set the bar high and are on course of establishing themselves as a permanent top-four fixture in the Premier League.

To achieve that goal, Leicester cannot afford to sell their best players to direct rivals as was previously the case.

Determined to avoid the Maguire scenario, the Foxes are ready to do whatever it takes to keep hold of their standout performers.

So, they have slapped a staggering price tag on Fofana and will stick to their guns when the transfer window reopens for business. 

Is Fofana worth the money?

Despite producing an impressive maiden Premier League campaign, Fofana has yet to become a household name.

Although his potential has never been brought into question, he still has to prove he can be a reliable long-term option.

Looking at his performances this season, Fofana is a star in the making.

The Frenchman has averaged 3.8 clearances per game (WhoScored), accompanied by an equally telling average of 2.00 tackles and 2.4 interceptions.

So it is safe to say that the sought-after youngster has showcased some world-class potential in his debut Premier League season.

However, longevity matters when it comes to splashing out such staggering figures, something United should bear in mind.

Fofana has just an incomplete season in the English top division in his portfolio, with no guarantees that he will be able to emulate his current form moving forward.

Although he seems like a gamble worth taking, spending £80m on a relatively inexperienced centre-back requires due diligence, especially in these uncertain times.