Get French Football News has reported that newly promoted Premier League outfit, Fulham, are pursuing Saint-Etienne defensive midfielder, Yann M’Vila. The 28-year-old is under a contract with his current employers until 2019 and talkSPORT has stated that apart from Fulham, Crystal Palace are also in the race to make him sign on the dotted line amidst interest from China as well.
Fact File
M’Vila spent his youth career with Amiens, Mantes and Rennes before being promoted to the senior side of Rennes. After that, he went to Russian heavyweights, Rubin Kazan and while he was on their books, he was shipped out on loan to Internazionale and Sunderland. In the January transfer window of 2018, he signed for Saint-Etienne but is apparently being tempted to leave the club.
Attributes
The French international is a tough-tackling midfielder who is good in the air as well. Although one might say that he hasn’t been able to live up to his potential yet, he has been trying really hard to make his presence felt during the last couple of seasons or so. Besides his reading of the game is top-notch and his decision making on his feet helps the team to react to situations better.
How Did He Fare Last Season?
In 19 appearances for Rubin Kazan, M’Vila made 1.7 tackles, 2.1 interceptions and 2 clearances per game on an average and also found the back of the net twice. In Ligue 1 with Saint-Etienne, he mustered 1.5 tackles, 1.9 interceptions, 3 clearances and 0.1 blocks per game on an average from 17 appearances. His pass completion rate of 88.3% in French top flight was really appealing.
Do Fulham Need Him?
Under the tutelage of Slavisa Jokanovic, Fulham carved a promotion to the Premier League and there is no denying that the Cottagers were one of the best sides to watch. Now that they would be locking horns against the elite English clubs, they do need more quality in their ranks to refrain from falling into the clutches of the relegation zone.
M’Vila would be a decent signing for them to inject more steel in the middle of the park. He cushions the backline properly and during his loan spell with the Black Cats back in 2015-16 season, he bagged some valuable experience of English football and was one of the best players for them. He has plenty of experience under his belt and at the onset, it appears that Fulham could get a utility player if they manage to bring M’Vila to the Craven Cottage.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored
