Manchester United’s plans to secure the services of Udinese defender Oumar Solet are under threat from Tottenham Hotspur. The Red Devils have struggled due to defensive frailties this season, and have already conceded 29 goals in 19 Premier League games, the second-most after Bournemouth among the top 15 of the league.
While the attack has improved after a summer of reinforcements – only Arsenal and Manchester City have scored more than Amorim’s team this season – it is clear that the backline needs attention.
The English giants were perhaps aware of their situation, which is why they reportedly considered a move for Solet before the start of the current season, but the transfer failed to materialise.
United’s long-term target
Solet has entered the final 18 months of his contract with Udinese and is yet to sign a new deal. This season, the 25 year old has appeared 23 times in all competitions for the Serie A club, all but one of which were starts.
Oumar Solet Stats: 2025/26 Season
CompetitionMatchesGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Serie A2011--1,621' Italy Cup3----261' Total2111--1,882'
Source: Transfermarkt.
Solet is a physical defender adept at playing in a back three, which makes him a suitable fit for Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.
The Frenchman’s ball-playing ability also makes him a good addition to the Red Devils’ squad, but it now appears that prising him away will not be a walk in the park.
Tottenham Hotspur eyeing Solet
According to Caught Offside, Tottenham Hotspur want to take Solet to the Premier League this month.
“Tottenham Hotspur are preparing a winter move for Udinese centre-back Oumar Solet. The club wants fresh competition for the Micky van de Ven–Cristian Romero pairing, and speculation around a possible Radu Dragusin exit is pushing Spurs to add depth at the back.”
“Interest in England goes beyond Tottenham. Sources close to the situation have informed Caughtoffside that Chelsea and Crystal Palace have watched him live, while Manchester United and West Ham are tracking him as a long-term target.”
“In Italy, Inter, AC Milan and Roma have delivered positive reports, highlighting his reliability in transition and dominance in the air.”
The report adds that Udinese could ask for a premium fee to let him go in the winter, although they could be open to a loan deal with a purchase option.
The player, meanwhile, could be tempted by the chance to move to the Premier League, with Chelsea reportedly also in the race.
Final Thoughts
United have dropped 12 points from winning positions this campaign, their joint-most points dropped at the halfway stage of season since the inception of the Premier League.
As such, defensive reinforcements could be the need of the hour, even though the midfield is expected to be the main focus of the Red Devils’ transfer business in 2026. INEOS, there, could be tempted to hijack Spurs’ move for Solet, especially with Harry Maguire’s contract set to expire this summer.