Transfer Story
When someone is labelled the ‘African Xavi’, the entire world sits up to take notice.
Similarly, the word was rife last season when the transfer mills went into overdrive regarding the transfer of Jean Michael Seri to Barcelona. The Catalan club was heavily linked with a move for Seri. However, certain unfortunate turn of events meant that the Ivorian had to stay put at Ligue 1. Now, as Barcelona have bolstered their midfield with Philippe Coutinho and Paulinho, chances are slim that they would consider a move for Seri anymore.
Despite failing to move to Barcelona last summer, the midfielder’s quality remains unique. He has been a stalwart for OGC Nice and has impressed many with his consistent performances. The talks of a potential move to England has been doing the rounds and Manchester United are apparently the frontrunners to secure his signature.
After completing the marquee signing of Alexis Sanchez, Jose Mourinho is reportedly keen to improve his midfield options. Jean Michael Seri has a release clause of £33m and the move could be completed by simply triggering it. However, whether the United board show interest in buying another player after the Sanchez saga remains to be seen.
Seri and his Stats
2016/17 was a breakthrough season for the Ivorian central midfielder as he made heads turn with his outings for OGC Nice. Last season, Seri appeared 34 times in the Ligue 1 and scored seven goals. He also assisted in nine goals and was a potent threat up front.
Seri usually plays in the middle of the park, as he orchestrates the play from there. He has the ability to control the tempo of the game with his immense passing ability and the tendency to link up with his teammates. The stat that impresses the most is his ability to create goal-scoring chances. The lad has a constant presence around the opposition box, working the ball around, holding the ball up to draw the defenders to him and then judging the correct moment to pass the ball to the other forwards.
Over the past one and a half year, he has shown that he can feature in the number 10 role too. Last season, he created 74 chances in 34 games, certainly an astonishing fact. He had an 85% successful take-on rate and drew 42 fouls over the course of the season. He also accurately passed the ball 90% of the times, clearly displaying his prowess in working the ball around.
Boasting some superb skills on the ball, he can leave the opposition bamboozled with his footwork. Seri is a threat from long range, as the Ivorian can make the most of the space afforded to him. Added to that, his set-piece taking ability makes him the perfect player to occupy the central midfield slot at Old Trafford.
Stat Source: Squawka
All stats are given from the previous i.e 2016/17 season.
Deal or No Deal?
For £33m, Seri would be a steal in the current inflated market. Seri’s technical ability is unmatched and would be another source of creativity while playing at the centre of the park. Michel Carrick is set to retire at the end of the season and Marouane Fellaini’s uncertain future means that the first team would be deprived of quality midfielders.