Sedi Kinteh: Man United dealt blow by FC Koln for Tromso starlet
Sedi Kinteh: Man United dealt blow by FC Koln for Tromso starlet Manchester United are running out of time to agree a deal for Sedi Kinteh after FC Koln reportedly jumped the growing queue for the Tromso IL starlet. Gambian Gem Kinteh , 19, is emerging as one of the most in-demand defensive prospects in Europe, with a host of clubs across the continent chasing his signature, including United. The Gambia international combines outstanding physical qualities and an ‘old school’ approach to defending with the ability to play out from the back.
Speed is his most eye-catching trait, however, clocking in at just over 37km/h. This ranks him right alongside the Premier League’s quickest player, Tottenham Hotspur’s Micky van de Ven. Were Kinteh to arrive at Old Trafford this summer, he would become the fastest member of the dressing room — a title currently held by Bryan Mbeumo, who recorded a top speed of 36.
4km/h earlier in the campaign. The increased focus on high lines in modern football — designed to condense the pitch and suffocate the opposition — requires mobility to be as important a tool in a defender’s arsenal as any other. It’s little surprise Manchester City have become so much more defensively fragile since Kyle Walker departed the Etihad after his lightning fast legs finally gave out.
Or why Liverpool have suffered as Virgil van Dijk has suffered a similar fate. Despite possessing an imposing 6’1 frame, Kinteh maintains a level of speed usually reserved for tricky wingers. He also possesses a wand of a left foot — a rarity for a centre-back — and is capable of playing at fullback.
United are understood to see the Gambian as a “ cheap high-upside option ” in defence who can plug multiple gaps in the squad. He will have little trouble adapting to the rigours of Premier League football, nor will he be perturbed by a lack of first-team minutes. FC Koln strike first FC Koln are also firm admirers of Kinteh, however, with the Bundesliga side now ready to accelerate ahead of United in the race.