English Premier League
Saudi Pro League clubs compete with Everton and Brentford for former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe
Saudi Pro League clubs are competing with Premier League sides Everton and Brentford to sign former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe this summer.
According to respected journalist Ben Jacobs, Tuanzebe is considering several offers after representing DR Congo at the 2026 World Cup, which was held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The 28-year-old was one of DR Congo’s standout performers at the tournament. He played a key role as the team progressed beyond the group stage in its first-ever World Cup appearance, before they were narrowly beaten by England.
Tuanzebe is now a free agent and can join another club without a transfer fee after his contract with his former side Burnley came to an end.
Several clubs in the Saudi Pro League are interested in signing him on a free transfer, but they face competition from the Premier League. Everton and Brentford are among the leading English clubs understood to be pursuing the defender.
Tuanzebe began his career at Manchester United, having come through the club’s academy. He made a number of appearances for the first team, although his development included several loan spells away from Old Trafford.
He spent time on loan at Aston Villa, Napoli and Stoke City before later establishing himself at Ipswich Town. Tuanzebe played for Ipswich between 2023 and 2025, making the move after gaining further experience in English football.
The defender joined Burnley during last summer’s transfer window, but his time at the club proved brief. He left after Burnley were relegated from the Premier League.
Tuanzebe’s performances for DR Congo at the 2026 World Cup have increased interest in his situation, with clubs in both Saudi Arabia and England now considering a move for an experienced defender who is available without a transfer fee.
His background at Manchester United, combined with his time at Aston Villa, Napoli, Stoke City, Ipswich Town and Burnley, has given him experience across several major leagues and clubs. That is likely to be a significant factor as he weighs up the proposals currently on the table.
The Saudi Pro League clubs are seeking to take advantage of his free-agent status, while Everton and Brentford are also assessing whether to offer him a return to the Premier League. For now, Tuanzebe is studying his options following his World Cup campaign and the end of his Burnley contract.
