Youssouf Fofana

A thread just for the memories of a player we tried to get on the cheap a day before the window closes and were told to feck off.
 
Reminds me of the last day of David Moyes first summer. Except 3 more names by tomorrow.
 
Expecting a couple of more left-field rumours circling tomorrow.
 
Depend on what is the fee involved. If it's less than 40mil, as replacement and upgrade on Amrabat and McTominay for squad role then it maybe alright. However, if we're gambling on him as answer for Casemiro replacement long term, then IMO bad deal. I don't see huge potential in him. We also have Mainoo which can look to develop over time.
 
He certainly would add much needed legs and physicality in the midfield. I'm not sure how good he is technically, I'll have to try and have a watch back of games. At this point it's anyone but McTominay for me, so I'm not sure I even care that much if he takes his spot.
 
ti vu said:
Depend on what is the fee involved. If it's less than 40mil, as replacement and upgrade on Amrabat and McTominay for squad role then it maybe alright. However, if we're gambling on him as answer for Casemiro replacement long term, then IMO bad deal. I don't see huge potential in him. We also have Mainoo which can look to develop over time.
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If we get him on a reasonable contract we can recoup about half the money in a few years but what is clear right now is that Mainoo is not ready for the role as sole DM off the ball and on the back foot, his technical abilities are good for that connector role between the DM and the Am. Maybe in a few years when he is fully developed but not now.
 
AneRu said:
If we get him on a reasonable contract we can recoup about half the money in a few years but what is clear right now is that Mainoo is not ready for the role as sole DM off the ball and on the back foot, his technical abilities are good for that connector role between the DM and the Am. Maybe in a few years when he is fully developed but not now.
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So the question is whether it's good idea for us to try to salvage this season by rushing to buy more ready players but still questionable in term of instant contribution; when we have the opportunity to give players like Mainoo a bit more chance writing this season off.

If Fonfana is to be seen as long term shrewd signing, it has to be seen as I don't rate him that high, for us to prioritize his signing when we may try to use the fund better.
 
His decision making and off the ball game has improved over the years but he is still a subpar technician. I could be wrong but I don't think that he is the type of player that we need to add because it doesn't improve the team in the area where we are the most behind. I won't be able to contest the "Mama Rabiot" allegations after this but Rabiot fits our needs and his contract his expiring.
 
JPRouve said:
His decision making and off the ball game has improved over the years but he is still a subpar technician. I could be wrong but I don't think that he is the type of player that we need to add because it doesn't improve the team in the area where we are the most behind. I won't be able to contest the "Mama Rabiot" allegations after this but Rabiot fits our needs and his contract his expiring.
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What you described is exactly what I get from
Him. Great physical attributes but we need more quality on the ball for this position. Rather Onana.
 
JPRouve said:
His decision making and off the ball game has improved over the years but he is still a subpar technician. I could be wrong but I don't think that he is the type of player that we need to add because it doesn't improve the team in the area where we are the most behind. I won't be able to contest the "Mama Rabiot" allegations after this but Rabiot fits our needs and his contract his expiring.
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Rabiot would have been an ideal signing but he rejected United before they opted for Casemiro. Why would he sign now?
 
JPRouve said:
His decision making and off the ball game has improved over the years but he is still a subpar technician. I could be wrong but I don't think that he is the type of player that we need to add because it doesn't improve the team in the area where we are the most behind. I won't be able to contest the "Mama Rabiot" allegations after this but Rabiot fits our needs and his contract his expiring.
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I'd be shocked if we moved for him again. We've already tried twice and both times the reports were that his wage demands were excessive. If that was the feeling last summer when Rabiot was out of contract and we had Champions League football to offer, I don't see how that deal would be any likelier to happen now.
 
greater wall said:
Rabiot would have been an ideal signing but he rejected United before they opted for Casemiro. Why would he sign now?
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Without knowing what we actually offered him in terms of contract but also role, I can't answer your question. But I would make a strong effort to get Rabiot or someone like Rabiot if I was United.
 
JPRouve said:
Without knowing what we actually offered him in terms of contract but also role, I can't answer your question. But I would make a strong effort to get Rabiot or someone like Rabiot if I was United.
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Agree on the profile, we have a lot of youngsters in the squad now and someone who's played at a very high level, with years in the tank is a very good idea.
 
Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber said:
Just another Timoue Bakayoko
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He has little to do with Bakayoko. Fofana is an average playe when Bakayoko was bad at the exception of four inexplicable months. I'm not a fan of Fofana but comparing him to Bakayoko is a genuine insult.
 
Taking this report with a pinch of salt but it looks like it will be a great value for money

 
Dewsbury-Hall and Fofana couldn't be more different players, definitely nonsense.
 
Bruno-Mount
Mainoo-Fofana
DM-Fofana

McTominay to a mid-table side pays for Fofana. Casemiro heads to a retirement league and big money spent on a DM (along with a backup striker and 2 defenders, one left-sided, one RCB). Looks about right. Might need a new midfielder for cheap (or a loan) to be a 6th option since Eriksen seems to want real playing time and just gets dribbled past constantly these days.
 
NoPace said:
Bruno-Mount
Mainoo-Fofana
DM-Fofana

McTominay to a mid-table side pays for Fofana. Casemiro heads to a retirement league and big money spent on a DM (along with a backup striker and 2 defenders, one left-sided, one RCB). Looks about right. Might need a new midfielder for cheap (or a loan) to be a 6th option since Eriksen seems to want real playing time and just gets dribbled past constantly these days.
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I'd happily leave a window with Fofana & Drewsbury Hall in exchange for Casemiro, Mctominay and Eriksen
 
Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber said:
I'd happily leave a window with Fofana & Drewsbury Hall in exchange for Casemiro, Mctominay and Eriksen
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I think that still leaves us pretty light in terms of tackling and defending. You'd want a Rabiot, Guido Rodriguez or a young #6 signed as a 2nd DM option I think.
 
I hope the Arsenal "links" are just agent led. He's straight out of the school of the Badiashile/Disasi and not only because they're from Monaco.
Very average player all around, getting hyped for no reason, that will get found out the second he steps out of Ligue 1.
 
I’d take a Fofana for cheap or Rabiot for free as a DM if we can go after Neves as a big money midfield target too.
 
I may I actually cry if we sign him.
 
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