Only £5 million, MU finalizes 'speed beast' on par with van de Ven

Manchester United is leading the race to sign the young center-back with speed comparable to the fastest group in the Premier League, planning to seal the deal before summer.

Manchester United continues to push forward with its squad rebuild by targeting young center-back Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh from Tromsø. According to European media, the Old Trafford side is currently ahead in the race to sign the 20-year-old before the summer transfer window. The club's leadership is reportedly preparing a trip to Norway to complete negotiations early and avoid competition from rivals.

Sources indicate MU has been monitoring Kinteh for a long time, giving them a significant advantage over Chelsea, Ajax, and PSV Eindhoven. The positive cooperative relationship between the two clubs also facilitates smoother negotiations. Tromsø values the defender at around £4-5 million, a fee considered quite a "bargain" given the player's development potential and rapid progress.

Kinteh moved to Norway from Senegal's Mawade Wade academy just last March after a successful trial. He quickly adapted and signed a long-term five-year contract. In the 2025 Eliteserien season, the center-back played 25 matches, scoring one goal and providing one assist, thereby building a reputation as a classic-style defender with a strong physical foundation and a very powerful left foot.

Tromsø's decision to reject a £4.3 million offer after just three matches this season is now seen as extremely shrewd. As interest from various European clubs grows rapidly, Kinteh's value has also increased significantly. MU understands that the transfer fee could rise sharply once the new Norwegian season begins, forcing them to act early to maintain their advantage.

The notable point lies in the tactical aspect. Manager Michael Carrick's move to push Patrick Dorgu up as a left winger inadvertently weakened the defensive depth on the left flank. Kinteh, with his ability to play both as a center-back and a left-back, is seen as the ideal solution to fill this gap and rebalance the team's structure.

Not only versatile, the Gambian player also impresses with a top speed reaching 37 km/h—nearly on par with Tottenham's famously fast center-back Micky van de Ven and among the fastest players in the Premier League. This is a rare figure for a defender standing 1.85m tall. Therefore, MU does not view him merely as a backup option, but as a long-term solution to their current tactical issue, aligning with the "Red Devils'" strategy of building a youthful and sustainable squad.

Manchester United's potential move to quickly finalize the deal shows the club is not only seeking a short-term fix but also planning for the long term. If he arrives at Old Trafford, Kinteh could become a crucial piece in the squad's rejuvenation process and provide the tactical balance the coaching staff is pursuing ahead of the new season.