Manchester United are closing in on Ralf Rangnick’s first capture, Boubacar Kamara, which should be announced quite early in January’s transfer window.
The rumours are according to widespread reports that the Manchester Club are close to bringing young defensive midfielder, Boubacar Kamara to Old Trafford, with the deal only costing a very derisory sum of around £10m, owing to the fact that Kamara is winding his contract down and available for free in the summer.
The highly-rated Frenchman who is gradually coming to limelight in the game will become the German’s first new name as interim manager – and may give clues as to the direction that the club will move in when Rangnick becomes a consultant for the club following his stint in the dugout.
Primarily a defensive midfielder, Kamara has as well played in defence. The 22-year-old has shot into Marseille’s first team and been a key component under multiple managers, now.
Though he is not yet capped at senior international level, he has represented France from the under-17 level through to under-21.
As a first capture, this is more of a depth signing for Rangnick.
Kamara will not automatically displace either of Fred or Scott McTominay immediately – both of whom have impressed in recent weeks. The Frenchman can slot into either role or play in defence.
His ability as a single pivot no.6 is also interesting – as it gives whoever becomes manager in the summer the opportunity to use Kamara in a 4-3-3 formation.
While United have made high-profile signings in recent windows – the most recent bringing Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho to the northwest – perhaps this is something that fans should become a little more used to under Rangnick. The 63-year-old has an interestingly long reputation for improving young players and will likely look for uncut gems to work with, rather than star names at the elite of the game.
Kamara who was born in France to a Senegalese father and a French mother has been a supporter of OM since he was a child after going to the Stade Vélodrome with his mother, Cathy. He has a son, Leeroy, with Coralie Porrovecchio.
In September 2005, “Bouba”, aged 5, entered the Olympique de Marseille Academy where he progressed through all the categories. He eventually became the captain of the U19 team that made its way to the final of the Coupe Gambardella. At the age of 16, he was promoted to Marseille’s reserve team, also making his debut with the senior team. Jacques Abardonado, former coach of the reserves made him a regular starter.
Kamara made his debut as a professional side on 13 December 2016 against Sochaux in a Coupe de la Ligue match. He started the match and was replaced by Hiroki Sakai in the 82nd minute of a 1–1 (4–3) away loss on penalties.