Louis Van Gaal is still on search for a new right-back, after failed attempts with the likes of Dani Alves, Nathaniel Clyne and Gregory van der Wiel, as he feels that improvements are needed over Rafael and make-shift Antonio Valenica.
Transfer Rumour
Manchester United have apparently contacted AS Monaco over about the availability of Brazilian Fábio Henrique Tavares, commonly known as Fabinho, according to the Daily Star’s writer Alex Harris. United will be looking to spend £10 million, but Monaco will be demanding£15 million to allow the 21-year-old to move to Old Trafford. According to French broadcaster Ma Chaine Sport, negotiations are still on-going whilst Fabinho is on international duty with Brazil in the Copa America. Fabinho only permanently signed for Monaco last month in a £4 million deal, following a two-year loan spell, from previous parent Portuguese club Rio Ave, but Monaco are happy to make a quick profit. His versatility can be considered as one of his strengths, as he can play in a defensive midfield role as well as his natural right-back position.
Experience
Real Madrid saw the potential in the Brazilian three years ago, as he joined their Castilla squad on a season-long loan. During his time there, he made 30 appearances for Real Castilla and even made an appearance for Madrid’s first team. Since then he has been AS Monaco’s first-choice right back for the past two seasons in Ligue 1, and gained even more experience playing in the Champions League last season, helping the Les Rouges et Blancs reach the Quarter-finals before being knocked out by finalists Juventus.
Fabinho currently has two international caps and was originally picked alongside of Danilo for the right-back spots in Brazil’s Copa America squad. It was only when Danilo, Real Madrid’s new acquisition, dropped out of the squad with an ankle injury that allowed Dani Alves a call-up for the tournament. Despite not being in the original squad, the Barcelona man has started in all of Brazil’s group games, and have now qualified into the knockout stages, ahead of Fabinho.
Stats and Comparisons
Like many Brazilian full-backs, his likes get forward and join the attack as often as possible, as he achieved a high success rate of 77% when it came to take-ons. His 48 successful take-ons was the second highest from a defender at the age of 21 or under, from the top 5 European Leagues, last season. Fabinho’s 6ft 2 stature aids his aerial ability, as he had a 63% success rate in aerial duels last season in Ligue 1. Both of those statistics surpass current United right-back Valenica’s and the previous targets Alves, Clyne and van der Wiel’s numbers from last season. Fabinho was Monaco’s star man last season in, with the most performance points out of his teammates and only made one error that lead to a shot on goal, during all of his appearances.
Fabinho is a long-term option and can still improve upon his current ability, as opposed to United’s previous right-back transfer targets, who arguably have already reached their potential. Dani Alves is 32 and would be expected to only have a few more years at the top level of the game, whilst Fabinho has six years over Paris Saint-Germain’s Gregory van der Wiel.
(All stats from Squawka)
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