Manchester United is actively scouting for potential summer acquisitions, a process overseen by the club’s recently implemented leadership framework. A plethora of candidates are being considered, reflecting the team’s requirement for reinforcement across multiple positions.
Of particular concern is the midfield, identified as a priority area for restructuring. While Kobbie Mainoo appears to be a fixture for the upcoming season, the focus shifts to identifying his ideal midfield partner.
Notably, attention has been drawn to Mandela Keita, a promising talent from Royal Antwerp. According to reports from Belgian outlet Voetbal Krant, Manchester United has been monitoring his progress closely.
Mandela Keita background and current season
Mandela Keita, a defensive midfielder, consistently features in the lineup of Mark van Bommel’s Royal Antwerp team, which recently participated in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League.
His professional journey commenced with OH Leuven in Belgium, where he made his debut in 2021 at the age of 19. During his tenure with OH Leuven, Keita amassed 40 appearances before transferring to Antwerp. Since joining Antwerp, he has made 48 appearances. Throughout his career, Keita has scored one goal.
Currently, Keita is on loan at Antwerp, with the club having an obligation to purchase him at the conclusion of the current season. There is also the possibility of a lucrative sale to Manchester United in the future.
In the ongoing season, Keita has made 30 appearances for Antwerp, including three in the UEFA Champions League. Additionally, he recently made his debut for the Belgium national team.
What has been said about Mandela Keita
Manager Mark van Bommel has acknowledged, as reported by Voetbal Nieuws, that there is currently significant interest in Mandela Keita, emphasizing the persistent nature of this interest.
According to Nieuwsblad, Mandela Keita is poised to follow Arthur Vermeeren as the next high-profile departure from Antwerp, with a plethora of suitors expressing interest. Notably, Manchester United has reportedly scouted him on multiple occasions.
Following his inaugural call-up to the Belgium national team, manager Dominic Tedesco elucidated the rationale behind selecting Keita, citing the need for robust physicality in the midfield. Tedesco emphasized the importance of players capable of asserting themselves in matches against physically imposing opponents such as Austria and Sweden, highlighting Keita’s suitability for this role over Arthur Vermeeren.
Keita himself articulated his playing style, drawing parallels between his approach and that of midfield stalwarts N’Golo Kanté and Paul Pogba, as conveyed by Voetbal Nieuws.
Mandela Keita verdict
Manchester United is reportedly considering a transfer move for Belgian midfielder Amadou Onana, who is currently with Everton. According to a report by Teamtalk, the potential transfer fee for Onana could reach as high as £60 million.
Alternatively, United could pursue Keita as a more cost-effective option. Keita’s club, Antwerp, recently sold his teammate Arthur Vermeeren to Atletico Madrid for a mere £15 million in January.
Despite Keita’s lack of experience in the Premier League, Manchester United aims to solidify its reputation as a club where players can mature and thrive, by acquiring talents at reasonable prices before their market values skyrocket.
Moreover, United is in search of a potential successor for Casemiro, and even if the Brazilian midfielder opts to stay for another season, Keita could serve as an ideal understudy, allowing him to develop without undue pressure. Furthermore, he could potentially form a promising midfield partnership with Kobbie Mainoo in the future.