Man Utd moving for Calvin Bassey as obvious choice from 24 centre-back options
Calvin Bassey feels like a very Manchester United signing in this age of incompetence; that noise you hear is scoffing en masse.
But the Fulham centre-back makes a lot of sense as a January addition given what Mauricio Pochettino wants and the 24 options he has in a limited field.
The need for a left-sided centre-back has become increasingly evident this season thanks to Lisandro Martinez’s on and off pitch problems and the struggles of Ayden Heaven when playing in his stead.
United and Pochettino will want to source a player with Premier League experience so that they can hit the ground running this season and for faster and more effective ball progression a left-footed player is hugely beneficial in that position, which limits the options significantly.
Here’s an exhaustive list of the 23 left-footed centre-backs playing in the Premier League, according to Transfermarkt, and why they’re unlikely options for Manchester United compared to Bassey.
Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal)
One of the best centre-backs in the world who plays every game for the best team in the Premier League and
Piero Hincapie (Arsenal)
Actually not a bad shout. Hincapie’s stated just three games this season and none in the Premier League after falling further down the pecking order following the arrival of Ezri Konsa. There are rumours of a January exit, though Barcelona may appeal more than Man Utd.
Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal)
He’s started all but one Premier League game for the Gunners this season and might not remember how to play at centre-back in any case.
Pau Torres (Aston Villa)
Plays regularly at a well-run club under a manager who loves him. Precisely the sort of elegant, unhurried defender who would immediately look cumbersome and slow upon putting a Man Utd shirt on.
Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa)
33 years old.
Oliver Boscagli (Brighton)
Now plays almost exclusively at left-back for a Premier League title challenger.
Pascal Struijk (Brighton)
Would definitely be on the radar had he not moved in the summer and been hit with injuries at Brighton.
Levi Colwill (Chelsea)
Reports of Chelsea being open to his sale for £70m-odd amid Barcelona interest have been replaced by news of the Blues looking to tie him down beyond his current deal, which expires in 2029.
Jorrel Hato (Chelsea)
A talented but raw young player isn’t what Man Utd need and Chelsea would presumably want an absurd amount of money if their Malo Gusto price tag is anything to go by.
Ethan Pinnock (Coventry City)
33 years old.
Stephen Mfuni (Coventry City)
A talented boy, but a boy he is at 18 years old.
Chadi Riad (Crystal Palace)
Keeps tearing his knee ligaments.
Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton)
United made a couple of bids in the summer of 2024, maxing out at £50m while Everton wanted £70m. The Toffees are now supposedly asking for £80m. Too rich for United’s blood.
Jorge Cuenca (Fulham)
Can’t get in the Fulham squad.
Nobel Mendy (Hull City)
Only just arrived in the Premier League.
Tarik Muharemovic (Leeds)
Joined from Sassuolo in the summer and Leeds will want a helluva lot more than Man Utd can afford when they eventually sell the current Premier League signing of the season.
Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City)
Come on now.
Sven Botman (Newcastle)
He’s not played a minute of Newcastle’s last four games after being dropped by Matthias Jaissle for stinking out St James’ Park this season.
Dan Burn (Newcastle)
34 years old.
Murillo (Nottingham Forest)
A brilliant and wonderfully entertaining footballer, but Man Utd could really do without his loose-cannon style right now.
Omar Alderete (Sunderland)
Rarely gets a game for Sunderland.
Micky van de Ven (Tottenham)
Man Utd don’t have the cash and Tottenham aren’t about to sell him.
Marcos Senesi (Tottenham)
Probably should have challenged Spurs for his free transfer in the summer. Also lacks a yard.
Bassey ticks more boxes than any of them as a 26-year-old with over 100 Premier League games under his belt, who’s performed very well this season, has pace to burn, is unlikely to cost the world and also has experience of filling in at left-back so can cover for Luke Shaw.
So the naysayers can scoff all they want – Calvin Bassey would be a smart first signing for Pochettino at Manchester United.