Man Utd defender cut adrift by Ten Hag now ‘in talks’ to seal surprise Spanish switch
Man Utd defenders Axel Tuanzebe and Harry Maguire
After being released by Manchester United, Axel Tuanzebe is now discussing a free transfer to Real Betis, according to a report.
Tuanzebe left Man Utd on a free transfer in the summer after finishing last season on loan at Stoke City. At the age of 25, he is now looking for the next step in his career. According to the latest reports, it could take the former Napoli loanee outside English football for the second time in his career.
The Daily Mail has claimed that Tuanzebe is ‘in talks’ with Real Betis, who have just sold Luiz Felipe to Al-Ittihad. Since the Spanish transfer window is closed, they can only pick up a free agent to replace him.
Tuanzebe fits the bill, so has become an option for the side managed by Manuel Pellegrini (formerly of Manchester City and West Ham United).
As TEAMtalk has already reported, the Mail confirms he has been targeted by Ipswich Town and Sheffield United this summer. Another suitor has been Luton Town, who like the Blades are new to the Premier League this season.
Tuanzebe actually only has 28 Premier League appearances to his name between his time with Man Utd and one of his loan spells with Aston Villa. In contrast, he has played 34 times in the Championship for Villa and Stoke, and once in Serie A for Napoli.
He never got the chance to make an appearance under the reign of Erik ten Hag, whose options at centre-back now include Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans.
If Tuanzebe was to move to Real Betis for his next challenge, he could become part of the same squad as former Premier League players like Claudio Bravo, Hector Bellerin, Marc Roca and Ayoze Perez.
Other famous names at Pellegrini’s disposal include ex-Real Madrid playmaker Isco, former Lyon midfielder Nabil Fekir and a recent addition from Barcelona, Ez Abde.
