Axel Tuanzebe, a former Manchester United defender, is reportedly wanted by Cardiff City in the January transfer window as they look to strengthen their defence.
Currently out of favour at high-flying Ipswich Town, Tuanzebe, who joined the Man United academy at the age of eight, is a viable alternative for the Bluebirds. Tuanzebe made 19 appearances for the Red Devils. The 26-year-old played on loan at Aston Villa, Napoli, and Stoke City over the bulk of his tenure at Old Trafford.
After 17 years with United, the Congolese defender left to join Championship newcomers Ipswich in September 2023. He has made just eight appearances in all competitions during his stay at Portman Road and has struggled to establish himself as a regular member of the squad.
On Saturday night, during their 2-1 victory over Sunderland, he made a fleeting one-minute appearance on the field in what was likely his final game for the Tractor Boys.
The former England Youth international is reportedly considering a transfer to South Wales as Erol Bulut aims to bolster his defence in order to get regular game time and launch his career, according to Sky Sports.
After failing to make an impact at the Cardiff City Stadium, loan signing Jonathan Panzo returned to parent club Nottingham Forest, making the team’s defence even weaker.
The only active first-team player for the Bluebirds at left back right now is Jamilu Collins, who struggles with the position.
Cardiff find themselves in a patch of tough form, dropping to 13th in the Championship table following a 3-0 defeat at home to Leeds United.
Bulut will be looking to use the transfer window to help his side get back on track with a playoff push, as they visit Plymouth Argyle in the league for the first time since 2009 when Michael Chopra netted a hat-trick in a 3-1 win.
Writer’s View
Cardiff City must get extra bodies in during this transfer window to help them for the remainder of the season and have better squad depth. After losing Panzo, they are looking particularly light in defence now, and it’s an issue they will want to solve soon.
Tuanzebe is an experienced defender who has played in the Champions League and with the Bluebirds light in this position, it could be a smart pick-up if they can get him for a good fee or loan deal.
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