Once Rangers-linked Manchester United centre-back Axel Tuanzebe is now a free-agent after being released at the end of his Old Trafford contract.
The Red Devils have announced the departure of Axel Tuanzebe, 25, alongside another six Manchester United players as their contracts officially come to an end at the Premier League club.
Fellow centre-back Phil Jones is another set to be released, with the defensive duo joined by Ethan Galbraith, Di’Shon Bernard, Eric Hanbury, Manni Norkett and Charlie Wellens.
Rangers were extensively linked with a move for Axel Tuanzebe back in May 2019, with former Ibrox manager Steven Gerrard reportedly holding a “strong interest” in the Congolese-born centre-back.
Tuanzebe released amid Rangers centre-back hunt
The news comes at an interesting time for Rangers, who have been linked with a whole host of centre-back options heading into the new season.
There is widespread reporting around apparent interest in Nottingham Forest centre-back Jonathan Panzo, whilst reports this week have claimed a bid for Leeds United defender Charlie Cresswell have been rejected.
Reported interest in Arsenal centre-back Auston Trusty is said to have fell apart over the transfer demands attached to the deal.
Rangers have released injury-plagued Swedish defender Filip Helander at the end of his contract, whilst there are doubts surrounding the future of ex-Preston centre-back Ben Davies.
Whilst there is no official link between Rangers and Axel Tuanzebe, it’s interesting to consider that Manchester United have released the player at this juncture.
The Gers need defensive reinforcements and could certainly do a lot worse than the former England youth international, who has had loan stints at Aston Villa, Napoli and Stoke City.
English trained and young enough with a point to prove, Tuanzebe certainly fits the Michael Beale mould and it’ll be interesting to see if Rangers reignite their historic interest in the defender.
Manchester United paid tribute to the former academy centre-back via a statement, ending it by saying:
“Everyone at the club would like to extend our best wishes to Axel as he embarks upon the next chapter of his career. We would also like to thank him for always representing Manchester United with class and dignity.“
