Manchester United are facing a tough battle to sign Sevilla’s Youssouf Fofana as he has no intention of joining the Premier League side in January.
The midfielder failed to impress regularly under Massimiliano Allegri at AC Milan last season. New Rossoneri manager Ruben Amorim left him out of his core plans this season.
On deadline day, he joined Sevilla on loan and has played 366 minutes from five matches, managing a goal and an assist. His good start in Spain has caught Manchester United’s attention.
Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba arrived at Old Trafford in the summer. Despite signing three new midfielders, Michael Carrick’s side have reportedly set their sights on the Sevilla man.
Manchester United preparing offer for January
On October 3rd, we relayed news of the Red Devils’ scouts closely following Youssouf Fofana in action for Sevilla.
Five days later, Sport Witness covered a report from Spain explaining that he’s convinced the Old Trafford club’s officials. Therefore, Manchester United are preparing a substantial offer and will hold direct talks with AC Milan.
The La Liga side haven’t secured a purchase option or obligation with the Italian club. This gives the latter freedom to decide on the 27-year-old’s future if there’s a bid in January.
Michael Carrick’s side have already contacted Milan to find out the terms to sign him, and Vamos Mi Sevilla FC cover the latest. There’s no mention of the Serie A side’s demands.
Player not entertaining Manchester United
The Frenchman has no intention of leaving the Andalusian club in the winter market. He wants to fulfil his commitment, meaning stay at Sevilla until the end of this season.
After a difficult period, Youssouf Fofana feels comfortable, both at the Spanish club and in Seville. Following his resurgence, he won’t rule out extending his stay beyond the loan spell.
Sevilla are aware of his wish, whilst also knowing the financial difficulties to make his stay permanent. It’s unclear where the midfielder will play after this season.
For now, Fofana has made a ‘firm decision’ to block Manchester United’s efforts to sign in the next window. He is refusing to budge despite the ‘pressure from Old Trafford’. This has stalled any potential transfer to the English club in the winter market.
There’s a possibility of the Red Devils not wanting to proceed further after finding out the fee needed to sign him. The media local to Sevilla may twist it to make it look like the player is now rejecting Manchester United.
Either way, it’s not ideal for the Old Trafford club to sign a midfielder in January when the focus has to be on signing a striker and/or a left-back.
