Manchester United have completed the signing of Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace in an agreement that ultimately could be worth £50m. United announced the transfer on the 29th of June on their website saying they were delighted to confirm the signing of Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace. Aaron has signed a five-year contract with an option to extend for a further year. The move to Manchester is no surprise and many analysts like ex-England and Man United midfielder Lee Sharpe had suggested Wan-Bissaka could be an option for Manchester United, a couple of months ago.
Now with the transfer finalized, who could be the right fit to replace the 21-year old right-back?
Reece James (Chelsea)
James got his first taste of senior football with Wigan in the Championship last season. The 19-year old is owned by Chelsea but was loaned out to Wigan during the 2018/19 season. The English youth international started in 44 of Wigan’s 46 league games and was one of the better players in the team avoiding the relegation. James made such a huge impact during his spell at Wigan that manager Paul Cook gave him the captain’s armband for their final-day win over Millwall. If Chelsea is planning on loaning out James for another season, Crystal Palace should propose the young right-back would be better off to stay in London with them.
Connor Roberts (Swansea)
Though Roberts signed a new long-term deal with Swansea last November, Swansea is renowned for selling the club’s top players – and Roberts could be the next star leaving the club this summer. The 23-year old has become the first pick for the right-back position for Swansea and Wales the last season. Roberts’ attacking qualities could aid in scoring those crucial goals, ultimately helping Crystal Palace avoiding relegation. The young Welshman scored 5 goals in 45 appearances in the Championship.
Cedric Soares (Southampton)
Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl loaned the Portugal international to Inter Milan for the second half of last season as he put his trust in the 20-year old Yan Valery. Soares only played 4 league games for Inter and is likely returning to England. Soares, who already has four years of Premier League experience, could be an affordable alternative on the right-back position for Palace. Soares is already 27 years old at this moment and his 33 games with the Portuguese national team could add experience to the Crystal Palace defence.
