Nine ‘rough diamonds’ Manchester United could sign this summer
By Bence Bocsak
3. Marash Kumbulla
Nation: Albania
Position: Centre-Back
Age: 20
Market Value: £20.25m
Current Club: Hellas Verona
United are still searching for an adequate partner for Harry Maguire, Marash Kumbulla fits the bill. The Albanian has in fact been linked with the club in the past and while he is one of the more expensive options on this list he has the potential to triple his value within the next few years.
Kumbulla has been outstanding in his breakout Serie A campaign this season and has been one of the major factors as to why Hellas Verona have managed to keep themselves in the division and in mid-table.
A towering figure with brilliant technical ability, Marash Kumbulla has the right attributes to be a United centre-back and he could complement Maguire well. He’s still young with plenty of time to improve but a move to United could have the potential to be on par with Ferguson bringing Vidic to the club.
4. Takehiro Tomiyasu
Nation: Japan
Position: Centre-Back
Age: 21
Market Value: £12.15m
Club: Bologna
After Kumbulla, Tomiyasu has been the second most impressive centre-back in Serie A this season. Another towering figure the Japanese international now has 3 seasons in Europe behind him following his arrival from the J.League in 2017.
Just like Kumbulla, Tomiyasu is stupendous technically. The Japanese international is an excellent passer and he can often instigate attacks.
Tomiyasu is similar in style to Liverpool’s Van Dijk. He has pace to burn and is commanding in the air with exuberant energy. Another aspect which could make him an enticing addition is the fact is his versatility. The Japanese international is capable of playing as a full-back too which could come in handy for Solskjaer.
At Bologna Tomiyasu has played in both roles with distinction and has impressed against the likes of Ronaldo, but has mainly been utilised in the right-back role. Meanwhile at International level, Tomiyasu is a stalwart centre back with already 18 caps to his name. In rare occasions Tomiyasu has even been deployed as a Central Defensive Midfielder.
He’d be cheaper than Kumbulla, but United need to act fast, the likes of Juventus and AS Roma are already sniffing about for his signature.