They could have had him a year ago for £25m and now they might have to pay £60m
Julien Laurens on Man Utd and Issa Diop
Diop is one of three Premier League defenders Manchester United are interest in, alongside Crystal Palace right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Leicester and England star Harry Maguire.
Laurens says he doubts whether United will have much money left for other areas after signing a right-back and centre-back this summer.
But he admits Diop would have been much cheaper if United went for him a year ago, before he ended up at the London Stadium.
“The rebuilding job of that squad is just so big,” Laurens said on ESPN FC.
Manchester United could have signed Issa Diop last summer for £25m (Image: GETTY/ESPN)
Trending
Laurens doubts whether Manchester United will enough funds to make all necessary improvements (Image: ESPN)
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
“It’s bigger than what we’ve seen in recent years for top, top clubs.
“Right now they’re focusing on their defence, which is probably right to start there, with a right-back and a centre-back.
“Wan-Bissaka, as we saw tonight with the Under-21s, is an outstanding talent.
“Whether he costs £50m or £60m, which is a lot of money for someone with just one season in the Premier League, is a different debate.
Issa Diop had a fine first season in the Premier League at West Ham (Image: GETTY)
“But they need a right-back and a real one, a proper one, not the Ashley Young kind of right-back.
“Same with the centre-back and Issa Diop might be the guy.
“They could have had him a year ago for £25m and now they might have to pay £60m and probably £80m if they want Harry Maguire as well.
“I don’t know where they will find enough money to rebuild their squad completely if already a right-back and a centre-back costs them in excess of £150m.”