Reports: United’s Axel Tuanzebe nearing loan move to Aston Villa
By Josh Tonti
Per reports, highly-rated Manchester United youngster Axel Tuanzebe is nearing a loan move to Aston Villa. Tuanzebe, 20, is a highly-versatile defender/midfielder hybrid.
Aston Villa may have their first move of the transfer window. According to manager Steve Bruce an announcement could be just a few days away, saying, “We’re particularly close on one – let’s hope it can happen.”
Per reports on Twitter and elsewhere, that move might be for Manchester United’s Axel Tuanzebe on loan. Tuanzebe, 20, is a center back by trade, but has featured at both right back and defensive midfield for the Red Devils in his short career.
Hearing that Axel Tuanzebe is likely to join Aston Villa on loan from Man United
— Dean Jones (@DeanJonesSoccer) January 12, 2018
Axel Tuanzebe could leave United on loan this month #mufc https://t.co/M8lLauAXKT
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) January 12, 2018
Tuanzebe is an interesting target for two reasons. 1: He’s extremely talented as an England youth international, featuring at the U-19, U-20, and U-21 levels. He’s begun to break out in the United first team under José Mourinho as well – making eight appearances across all competitions since his January 2017 debut. Secondly, Tuanzebe is a natural center back, capable of playing a couple other positions. His acquisition by Aston Villa could indicate further transfer plans for Steve Bruce and company.
Villa Verdict:
If planned to use at center back, that could indicate Christopher Samba isn’t recovering very well from injury, thus necessitating cover for the position. Moreover, it could indicate Villa plan to transfer Tommy Elphick elsewhere.
Mile Jedinak has been in excellent form of late. But his age and injury history suggest he cannot be counted on with 100% certainty in defensive midfield. Neither can fellow defensive midfielder Glenn Whelan, who has struggled mightily since November or so.
The plan could be for Tuanzebe to compete with Ahmed Elmohamady and Alan Hutton at right fullback as well. Though, this seems to be the least-likeliest scenario.
One has to wonder whether bringing-in Tuanzebe signals a potential transfer of Henri Lansbury (Thus pushing Glenn Whelan up into central midfield – Yuck!), or if Bruce is simply looking for additional quality in the squad across several positions.