Manchester United have suffered a major transfer setback as fellow Premier League side Aston Villa have beat them to a key signing.
What’s the word?
Fabrizio Romano relayed via Twitter that Aston Villa have secured the signing of Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara on a free transfer, something that was also confirmed by the club's official channels.
Man United were perennially linked with the player as they looked to improve their midfield, but the Frenchman has snubbed them to embark on the project that Steven Gerrard is building at Villa.
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The 22-year-old has signed a five-year deal and it’s a deal that Man Utd will regret not pushing over the line.
Big blow for Erik ten Hag
With Erik ten Hag beginning his new role in the Old Trafford dugout today, it would appear as though the former Ajax boss has already suffered his first big blow in charge.
It's no secret the job that ten Hag faces is massive. This season has been a terrible one for United and the Dutchman now faces a major summer rebuild ahead of what could be the side's biggest campaign in years.
With the midfield being significantly weakened by the potential departure of Paul Pogba, the exit of Nemanja Matic, and the future of Donny van de Beek uncertain, there will be a gaping hole in the middle of the sides midfield.
Kamara would have been an excellent signing, especially on a free transfer and this just shows how far the club have fallen in recent years.
The Frenchman has been a revelation this season in France, ranking in the 97th percentile compared to positional peers in the big five leagues for passes attempted (78.91 per 90) and the 96th percentile for pass completion (91%).
This proves he can control the midfield and his passing ability is fantastic. Former teammate Rolando lauded him as a “phenomenon” previously, whilst journalist David Anderson labelled him as “the next big thing” and his stats and performances this season certainly back up this claim.
Man United's loss is Aston Villa’s gain, and they could live to rue their mistake. Ten Hag needed a midfielder but he'll now have to look elsewhere.
It will also leave supporters gutted who will no doubt have been eager to see the club replace Pogba quickly and with a like-minded player in the middle of the park. Boasting plenty of potential and on a free transfer, this should have been a no-brainer for the United hierarchy.