Burnley miss out on World Cup star - Southampton, West Ham, & Wrexham must take advantage | OneFootball

Sheffield United, Southampton, and Wrexham should each look to sign Axel Tuanzebe on a free transfer this summer following his release from Burnley

Democratic Republic of the Congo international Axel Tuanzebe remains a free agent at 28-years-old despite having recently starred for his nation at the FIFA World Cup, as FLW takes a look at three EFL clubs that should look to swoop in and sign him this summer.

Tuanzebe is a name that feels like it has been around forever, but the defender is still only 28, yet, for the second time in just a few years, he finds himself a free agent once again.

Having progressed through the ranks at Manchester United, Tuanzebe made 37 first-team appearances for the Red Devils, with injuries having disrupted his playing time, spending time out on loan with the likes of Aston Villa, Napoli, and Stoke City, before joining Ipswich Town permanently in 2023.

Two years at Portman Road would be followed by a year at Turf Moor with Burnley, where the DRC international would make 14 Premier League appearances as Burnley were relegated.

The Clarets have made an attempt to keep the 28-year-old around in Lancashire, but for now, he remains a free agent, as FLW names three EFL clubs that should be looking to lure him back to the Championship this summer.

Southampton

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Southampton star Taylor Harwood-Bellis has been the subject of bids from Portuguese giants Benfica this summer, with the once-capped England star looking increasingly likely to move on from the Saints after three years with the club.

The Saints have been interested in a move for former Sheffield United centre-back Anel Ahmedhodzic this window, with the Bosnian available for a mere £4 million as Feyenoord look to move him on before the deadline.

However, Burnley have recently made a move for the former Blade, as now, Tuanzebe looks increasingly unlikely to return to Turf Moor, especially with the further addition of Max Alleyne on loan.

With Ahmedhodzic seemingly heading to Lancashire, and the future of Harwood-Bellis still uncertain, another option in the heart of defence should be a priority for Eckert, and Tuanzebe would be an ideal candidate.

With Premier League, Champions League, and World Cup experience under his belt, if he can stay fit, Tuanzebe would be one of the best defenders in the Championship.

Capable of playing at right back, too, successfully playing there under Kieran McKenna at Ipswich, Tuanzebe could also fill in for James Bree in that area, and on a free transfer, this deal should be a no-brainer for the Saints.

West Ham United

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West Ham United opened their Championship account with a 2-2 draw away to Burnley, with a late brace from Zian Flemming meaning both newly-relegated sides left with a point.

The Hammers had hoped to bring Axel Disasi back to the club this summer, but the Frenchman looks set to remain in the Premier League, as Nuno Espírito Santo must find another option on the market.

Joel Veltman's addition will provide another option in the back line for the Portuguese head coach, but with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Jean-Clair Todibo, and El Hadji Malick Diouf all expected to leave before the deadline, it's imperative West Ham sign a few more defenders over the coming weeks.

Tuanzebe, at 28, would be an ideal fit, with his lack of transfer fee making him a nice and cheap deal to get over the line to offer serious competition for Max Kilman and Konstantions Mavropanos at the back, as well as Kyle Walker-Peters on the right.

Having played for both Villa and Burnley, Tuanzebe could make it 3/3 in terms of Claret and Blue clubs in the EFL with West Ham, as Nuno should bolster his defensive options with the capture of the DRC stalwart.

Wrexham

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Wrexham are looking to add another centre-back or two to their squad before the September deadline.

The Red Dragons have invested heavily in each area of the squad over recent windows, yet, aside from Callum Doyle, their centre-back options have seen little spent on them under Phil Parkison, with the former Bradford City boss looking to change that.

A move for Norwegian defender Henrik Falchener has been reported, whilst Leicester City's Australian defender Harry Souttar has also been linked with a switch to North Wales this summer.

However, a serious upgrade with minor investment, aside from wages, is there for the taking, as Wrexham should be looking to add Tuanzebe to their ranks over the coming weeks.

With Parkinson preferring to play a back three during his spell at the Racecourse Ground, that doesn't look likely to change anytime soon, as Tuanzebe would fit into that system on the right side like a glove.

His wages would be the only sticking point, but that likely isn't a major issue in Wrexham's case, as Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney ought to be looking to add some more Premier League, Champions League, and World Cup experience to the squad.