BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 07: Tariq Lamptey of Brighton and Hove Albion in action during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Southampton at American Express Community Stadium on December 07, 2020 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
According to transfer news on Fichajes (h/t Burnley Express), Manchester United are plotting a move for Brighton ace Tariq Lamptey in January. The 21-year-old has started the current season slowly but is getting up to pace now, as evidenced by his encouraging performance against Leeds United on the weekend.
A product of the Chelsea academy, Lamptey dined with some of the best stars of the Cobham setup. After a lack of first-team chances, he switched clubs and joined the Seagulls in January 2020. He was a vital part of the side that avoided relegation last season and is looking to garner a European spot this term.
But could the youngster leave the Amex Stadium mid-season? And could he be the first signing of the Ralf Rangnick era at Man United?
Since signing for Brighton nearly two years ago, Lamptey has racked up 26 appearances and has contributed to 5 goals. He was a fresh mid-season introduction to their side in the 2019/20 campaign but showed his potential in his first full season last term. Playing as a right-back and a wing-back, he portrayed his abilities in the attacking and defensive phases.
He has done so similarly this season, but Pascal Gross kept him out of the starting line-up for a while. Although he is starting to feature more often in the first-team again, United might look to capitalise on this opportunity and lure him to Manchester. The Red Devils sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last week and recently appointed German boss Ralf Rangnick.
The former RB Salzburg and Leipzig manager is considered the godfather of German coaching. The style of play he employed was attractive at both clubs, and his recruitment process was sound. He signed younger players rather than indulging in signing a lot of ‘experienced’ players to facilitate his high-intensity play.
Lamptey might be a step in that direction, given his high-octane playing style. Moreover, the English full-back is versatile and has shown his qualities of playing in a back three and a back four at Brighton. This versatility would be welcome in any team.
Aaron wan-Bissaka is a fantastic defender but has been called out for his lack of attacking prowess at times, quite notably by Paul Scholes this month. The Brighton ace might be considered a different proposition to him and could provide more avenues in that role.
The full-back committed to a new contract at the start of 2021. The new deal will see him stay at the club until 2025 unless an interested party are ready to pay above and beyond for his services. The Seagulls are primed to have the upper hand in negotiations, especially if United are desperate to land him.
However, there is nothing wrong with going hammer and tong to sign Lamptey. The 21-year-old is an investment for the future and shall provide ample competition to Wan-Bissaka.
Rangnick would want to stamp his footprint at Old Trafford, and whilst nothing is indicating that he is the driving force behind this move, United would do well to get him if the gaffer does demand the signing. The Red Devils are one of the top teams in the country, and they need to start recruiting smartly if they hope to remain one in the coming years.
Getting in the Brighton defender could go a long way in doing so. Rangnick is deemed to be the mentor of Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel. Both these German coaches are making good use of attacking full-backs with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Reece James respectively. It wouldn’t hurt for Rangnick to have a high-octane attacking right-back for his team as well. Whether that potential role can be fulfilled by Wan-Bissaka alone remains to be seen.
