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‘Efficient and scores goals’ – Sheffield United-linked Faitout Maouassa fits transfer profile
The latest transfer link has emerged with Sheffield United said to be interested in Club Brugge’s left-sided player Faitout Maouassa. He has spent the season on loan at Ligue 1 side Montpellier, who are keen to make the temporary switch permanent.
United are among a host of clubs interested in his signature, with Werder Breman and Borussia Mönchengladbach in Germany joining a number of clubs in France who are reportedly keen on his services.
But who is he and does he fit United’s transfer profile?
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The Blades are targeting young players on permanent deals that do not command a huge transfer sum, or loan players who can go straight into the starting XI.
Manager Paul Heckingbottom is currently working to a figure of around £20m for transfer fees, but both his value and age make Maouassa a perfect fit in that respect.
The 24-year-old is valued at around 5million euros, according to some outlets, putting him well within United’s budget.
He has played mainly as a left-back and attacking left-sided midfielder for Montpellier this season, and seems to have plenty of credentials to operate down United’s left-hand side as a wing-back.
Dribbling and finishing are among his strengths and he averaged 1.5 tackles per game last season. He can certainly contribute in the attacking third, chipping in with five goals and five assists this season.
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He also averages a shot per game and has performed his best this season on the left of a triumvirate in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Indeed, according to player ratings site Whoscored.com, only four outfield players have performed better than him for Montpellier.
Should the report of United’s interest be genuine, the fact he has played both defensive and attacking roles down the left flank would suggest head of recruitment Paul Mitchell feels he is more than capable of operating in United’s system down that side.
Max Lowe, United’s current number one in that position, found the net once last season but also weighed in with five assists.
The season in France comes to an end this weekend, but Montpellier boss Michel Der Zakarian says his club are already in talks to bring him back to the Stade de la Mosson next season.
“I don’t know if we can keep him“, he said. “We’re in talks, we’ll see.
“Everything is still possible. He scores goals and makes his teammates score goals.
“He’s an efficient and performing player.”
