Manchester United are under increasing pressure to finalise their squad during the summer transfer window, with the Premier League campaign set to begin against Hull City on Saturday. Two fresh developments have emerged this week: a reported £43m price tag for defender Edmond Tapsoba and the start of contract negotiations with captain Bruno Fernandes.
Tapsoba's £43m valuation revealed
Bayer Leverkusen have informed interested parties that they will need to pay £43million to secure the services of centre-back Edmond Tapsoba this summer. The Burkina Faso international has been linked with United, while Newcastle and Tottenham are also said to be keen.
Tapsoba, 27, has been mooted for a Premier League move on several occasions. He joined Leverkusen from Portuguese club Vitoria in 2020 and has made 237 appearances, claiming a Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double in 2024. According to fussballdaten, Leverkusen would entertain offers should a club meet that £43m valuation. Tapsoba signed a new five-year deal just a few months ago, underlining how highly the German club regard him.
United's defensive options
Central defence is reasonably well-covered at Old Trafford at present, though keeping all options fit has proved a persistent challenge. Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez serve as seasoned figures alongside Harry Maguire, while Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven are emerging talents with claims on starting berths, and Luke Shaw can also offer cover.
From that standpoint, it may make more sense for United to focus on strengthening other areas first. Nevertheless, the reported fee attached to Tapsoba could prove attractive in a window where United have already secured some shrewd pieces of business.
Fernandes contract talks underway
United are reportedly in contract talks with Bruno Fernandes after Galatasaray's interest emerged on Monday. The Turkish giants are allegedly prepared to pay £43million for Fernandes, who could potentially double his £300,000-a-week salary in the Super Lig. United, however, are making every effort to ensure their skipper stays put.
The 31-year-old is coming off a season in which he broke the record for the most Premier League assists in a single campaign (21). Fernandes has entered the final 12 months of his current deal, which includes the option of a 12-month extension. Sky Sports News reported on Monday that United's position is that their captain is not available at any price.
The reigning Premier League Player of the Year turns 32 in September, yet shows no signs of slowing down. Fernandes will be instrumental in driving United's title ambitions as they gear up for their return to the Champions League.
