Phil Jones, who has struggled with injuries over recent seasons, may be heading across Europe to join Les Girondins.
A little about the topic
The Red Devils player could make a mid-season move to France as Ligue 1 team Bordeaux are reportedly looking at signing a centre-back. Phil Jones, who has struggled with a string of injuries over the past few seasons, recently returned to the fold for Man Utd, playing the full 90 minutes of his PL clash with the Wolves earlier in January. The Englishman has not played since, however, and reports in France now suggest that Bordeaux are interested in getting him promoted to Ligue 1 before the January transfer window closes.
There is information that Bordeaux is lining up a deal for Phil that will see him linked to Petkovic’s side ahead of the rest of the 2021-22 campaign. However, it is unclear if the move will be a loan deal or if it will be a permanent move. Bordeaux were not expected to sign a center during the winter window, although the scenario has become more likely when Maja and Otavio are both set to leave.
Further details from Romano say the player is interested in a move that will secure him further playing time, while Bordeaux are optimistic they can complete the deal before the transfer deadline. Both sides are now reportedly waiting for a final word from Man Utd head coach Rangnick as to whether he decides to let the Englishman go or feels he needs some extra cover at Old Trafford.
With only 18 months left on his contract, Phil has plenty of time left for his current deal at Old Trafford, even as he’s unlikely to feel like he’s going ahead too often. His surprise return to the starting XI against the Wolves was due in no small part to a defensive crisis, and with the likes of Lindelof, Varane and Maguire leading him in pecking order, opportunities are likely to remain slim for Phil Jones.
Before the 1-0 loss to Wolves, the former Blackburn Rovers defender’s last appearance for Man Utd came in January 2020 in a 6-0 FA Cup victory over Tranmere Rovers. Meanwhile, it’s unclear if the future of Bailly’s will affect what Ralf Rangnick and Man Utd decide to do with Phil, with the Ivory Coast international community also tied to the release.
What did Ralf say about Phil Jones?
Ralf didn’t say much about Phil’s long-term future at the club, though he was impressed with his performance in the Wolves loss. Ralf Rangnick said he thinks Phil Jones is good for not playing two years at this level. According to Rangnick they didn’t see the effects of not having the game. Phil Jones did his job and did exactly what Ralf expected of him.