Who is Man Utd and Chelsea transfer target Ibrahim Sangare?
FT Desk
- Updated: 8 Jun 2022 22:24 BST
- 4 min read
Manchester United and Chelsea have both been linked with a move for Ibrahim Sangare, but what is the fuss about over PSV Eindhoven's Ivorian defensive midfielder?
Ibrahim Sangare is in his second season with PSV Eindhoven, having joined the Dutch Eridivisie side from Toulouse in 2020.
A defensive midfielder, Sangare played 29 games as PSV finished as runners-up in the league to Erik Ten Hag's Ajax last season, adding another 20 appearances in all competitions, which included a Dutch Cup win and a run to the Europa Conference League quarter-finals.
The 24-year-old reportedly has his heart set on a move to the Premier League this summer, and although he has three years to run on his current deal, English clubs will be confident of being able to match his €35 million release fee.
A move could be just around the corner for Sangare, then. FootballTransfers has the skinny on the talented Ivory Coast international.
What position does Sangare play in?
Sangare is a modern defensive midfielder with the physicality to break up opposition attacks with minimum fuss.
He was generally employed at the base of midfield in Roger Schmidt's 4-2-3-1 at PSV last season, he and Erik Gutierrez operating as a double pivot, but he was also happy to line up on either side of a midfield three when required.
The @eredivisie meets Sangaré 😤#PECPSV pic.twitter.com/a9KkpreQcB
— PSV (@PSV) October 19, 2020
How good is Sangare?
Very good is the simple answer. Although he was relegated with Toulouse in the truncated 2019/20 Ligue 1 season, Sangare was a stand-out performer, earning a €9m move to PSV that September.
He has gone from strength to strength since. Only Milan van Ewijk, a right-back for mid-table Heerenveen, won more challenges in the Dutch top-flight last term (68 vs. 64), and Sangare's 72 interceptions were a league-high among midfielders.
What clubs are interested in Sangare?
Manchester United and Chelsea are the latest to be linked with a move for Sangare, with the midfielder also linked to Liverpool and Newcastle in Dutch media.
The need for midfield reinforcements at both clubs is apparent. Man Utd have seen both Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic leave on free transfers this summer, and Ten Hag will want further competition for Scott McTominay and Fred.
Donny van de Beek could also be handed a new lease of life - he and Ten Hag having previously worked together at Ajax - but Sangare's style could complement pass-master Van de Beek.
Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel spoke of the need for a rebuild at the end of last season, meanwhile, and with N'Golo Kante and Jorginho both entering the final year of their contracts, Sangare's acquisition could be a welcome one indeed.
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When does Sangare's contract expire?
Sangare's contract wit PSV Eindhoven is due to expire on 30 June 2025.
How old is Sangare?
Born in Koumassi, a suburb of Ivorian capital Abidjan, on 2 December 1997, Sangare is 24-years-old.
What is Sangare’s height?
Sangare is 1.91 metres, or 6ft 3in.
What is Sangare’s weight?
Sangare weighs 77 kilograms, or 12st 1lb.
What boots does Sangare wear?
Sangare wears Puma Ultra 1.4 soccer cleats.
What is Sangare's Instagram?
Ibrahim Sangare's Instagram account has 69.4k followers as of June 2022.
