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Manchester United have reportedly “initiated a move” for Jonas Adjetey as the Ghanaian defender has “completely won over” the club’s recruitment team.
Adjetey, 21, plays for FC Basel and has emerged as a vital part of the Swiss side this season at the heart of defence. RotBlau are currently first in the Swiss Super League and have conceded the fewest goals in the division.
Adjetey is a centre-back by trade but retains the versatility to play in either fullback position – a flexibility likely to be attractive to Ruben Amorim and his coaching staff given the three-man defensive structure they employ.
Africa Foot (as relayed by Sports Witness) reveals United’s recruitment team have been blown away by the 21-year-old’s performances, considering him to be “one of Europe’s most promising defenders”.
The Red Devils have dispatched scouts to watch Adjetey on “several occasions” this season with their feedback to executives commending the defender’s “aerial ability, anticipation and immense potential.”
The report contends Adjetey has “completely won them over” and negotiations between FC Basel and their Mancunian counterparts are “currently underway”.
An exact transfer fee is not revealed by Africa Foot but Ligue 1 RC Lens are said to have “made an offer of €6 million for the defender last summer.” This approach was rebuffed by FC Basel, however, with the Swiss league leaders reportedly holding out for a “much higher amount”.
INEOS have initiated a shift in focus of recruitment since taking over the football operation at Old Trafford last year.
There is far greater emphasis on young talent, who can be signed for much cheaper fees on low wages.
The recent signing of 18-year-old centre-back Ayden Heaven – captured from Arsenal for around £1.5 million and who has already impressed Amorim since making his debut – demonstrates the utility of this approach.
And with the prospect of Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof both departing United when their contracts expire at the end of the season, a slot in Amorim’s defence may open up for another young defender to join the ranks.
If the scouts at Old Trafford get their way, that player will seemingly be Adjetey.
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