Manchester United’s Fellaini getting more interest from Ligue 1
By Marcel Dumas
Marouane Fellaini will find a new home this summer. Current signs point to a move to Ligue 1.
United’s Marouane Fellaini is the subject of interest to some of Ligue 1’s best according to multiple reports. The midfielder is out of contract this summer and teams appear to be lining up to get him on a free.
Get French Footbal News reported AS Monaco are in contact with the Belgian international about joining the Ligue 1 outfit. This could set up a bit of a bidding war with domestic rivals Paris Saint-Germain.
PSG has been thought to be the favored landing spot for the midfielder. With Fellaini letting his contract wind down at Manchester United, the French clubs are probably not alone in their interest.
On the Field Value
As a player, Fellaini has a varied opinion of his value amongst fans. With his height, he provides a good target on set pieces and crosses in the box. With this ability, he provides an extra dimension for breaking down defenses who are packed in.
His physical play makes him a difficult matchup for defenders to keep out of his spots. From those spots, he is effective in placing the ball into the path of teammates or on frame from the air.
More from Playing for 90
- Alexia Putellas reaches 400 games with Barcelona
- Everything you need to know ahead of the 250th ‘Super Clásico’
- Barcelona put five past Real Betis
- Manchester City suffer but come away with win over West Ham
- Baffling Liga MX ruling strips Puebla of a hard-earned victory
From his midfield position, Fellaini is not regarded as a creator or a guy who can jumpstart the attack. His value lends itself more on winning aerial duels, and being a more defensive minded midfielder.
While he can chip in the occasional goal, his lack of creativity and ability to take on defenders is where his value drops in the eyes of some fans. He has also demonstrated a lack of judgment at times leading to bad fouls, or missed assignments.
Fellaini can be a very useful player in the proper setup. His loss will take away one of Jose Mourinho’s preferred assets. He would bring another dimension to both PSG and AS Monaco they currently are short in.
Impact to PSG or Monaco
Both Paris and Monaco have attacks that are effective in using space and moving the ball. They can have difficulty in breaking down a setup where the opposition is putting eleven behind the ball. This is where a player like Fellaini can help.
Currently, Cavani and to a certain degree Rabiot are the most effective aerial targets for PSG. Fellaini could provide more opportunities from set pieces for the likes of Neymar, Mbappe and company to pounce on by winning high balls in the box. He can have a similar effect for Monaco as well. Like PSG, heading home from a set piece is not a strength for their squad.
Next: Pogba for Verratti swap might make sense
Marouane Fellaini will find a new home this summer. Current signs point to a move to Ligue 1. While he can provide another dimension for both clubs discussed, wherever he ends up there will be fans he will have to win over. Only time will tell how his next move works out for player and club. On a free transfer, he is a risk worth looking into.