Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile in action. (Getty Images)
According to L’Equipe (h/t Express), Manchester United are looking at Monaco’s Benoit Badiashile to make him their second signing of the season. The Red Devils have already wrapped up the signing of Donny van de Beek and are now focusing on other targets (source – Sky Sports).
Benoit Badiashile is a 19-year-old French centre-back who plays for AS Monaco. He started his youth career at Limoges in 2007 and moved to SC Malesherbes the next year. After 8 years, he joined Monaco’s academy.
He spent a year in the U-19’s but was soon promoted to the senior team in 2018. So far, he has made close to 50 appearances for the club, scoring 3 and assisting 1 (source – Transfermarkt). He has cemented his place in the French side’s defence and has been rock solid for them.
The defender is yet to make an appearance for the senior French side but has been a regular in the youth teams.
Manchester United have improved a lot under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but there are still areas that need much more work. The defence is one. Harry Maguire and Wan-Bissaka have made the backline much better compared to previous years, but it’s clear that Maguire needs someone much more mobile alongside him.
Badiashile can be exactly that. Victor Lindelof is yet to show a consistent run of form, Eric Bailly’s injury problems have continued into this seaso. Axel Tuanzebe and Teden Mengi are unproven yet.
Despite Badiashile’s young age, he is very experienced and looks like a much better option to partner Maguire in defence.
Manchester United have taken note of the centre-back problem and are trying to secure players likewise. They have made efforts to sign Dayot Upamecano (source – Sky Sports) but haven’t found much success so far. Badiashile is young and has the potential to become much better if nurtured correctly.
As per the report mentioned earlier, Manchester United are willing to offer £23million for the centre-back. This is a deal that must take place soon as the season has already started and United have their first game in a few days’ time.
Badiashile represents a good investment opportunity at 19 years of age. United’s last acquisition from Monaco wasn’t too bad either. They can hope for the same with Benoit Badiashile.