Axel Tuanzebe, the former Manchester United defender, is on the cusp of returning to the Premier League with Burnley after undergoing a medical on June 26, 2025. The 27-year-old, who has spent the last two seasons at Ipswich Town, is set to join the Clarets as a free agent following the expiration of his contract with the Tractor Boys. This move marks a significant step for Tuanzebe, who has battled injuries throughout his career but remains eager to prove himself at the top level once again.
Tuanzebe’s journey began at Manchester United, where he joined the academy at the tender age of eight. He made his senior debut for the Red Devils in January 2017 during an FA Cup match against Wigan Athletic and went on to make 37 appearances across all competitions between 2017 and 2021. His most active season came in 2020/21, featuring in nine Premier League games and ten cup matches. However, his progress at Old Trafford was frequently hampered by injuries and fitness setbacks, which prevented him from securing a regular spot in the starting lineup.
During his time at United, Tuanzebe experienced several loan spells, including stints at Aston Villa, Napoli, and Stoke City. These moves were meant to provide him with valuable playing time, but injuries continued to disrupt his momentum. His final appearance for Manchester United was memorable, coming in the Europa League final in May 2021, where he successfully converted a penalty in the shootout against Villarreal, despite the team’s eventual loss.
After his release from Manchester United in 2023, Tuanzebe signed with Ipswich Town, where he reunited with former United coach Kieran McKenna. At Ipswich, he became a key figure, especially during their successful promotion campaign from the Championship. Over two seasons, he made 44 appearances, primarily playing as a right-back, though he is equally comfortable in central defense. Despite his contributions, the 2024-25 season was marred by injuries, including a freak accident that nearly cost him his thumb, as well as hamstring and thigh issues, causing him to miss 13 games in total. Ipswich’s relegation at the end of the season further complicated his future at the club.
Burnley, newly promoted to the Premier League, have been keen to bolster their squad to ensure survival in the top flight. Tuanzebe’s experience and versatility make him an attractive signing for manager Scott Parker. He is set to become Burnley’s third summer acquisition, following goalkeeper Max Weiss and left-back Quilindschy Hartman. The Clarets are hoping that Tuanzebe’s Premier League experience will help solidify their defense as they face the challenges of the upcoming season.
Tuanzebe’s decision to join Burnley came after turning down a new, lucrative contract offer from Ipswich. The defender was reportedly keen to remain in the Premier League following Ipswich’s relegation and was also drawn by the prospect of returning to the North West, where he grew up and developed as a player. This move reunites him with Hannibal Mejbri, another former Manchester United academy product who transferred to Burnley last year and is expected to feature prominently in the Clarets’ midfield.
Interestingly, a potential move to Trabzonspor in Turkey fell through earlier in the week due to concerns over Tuanzebe’s fitness and questions about his commitment to the deal. With that option off the table, Burnley swooped in to secure his signature, offering him a pathway back into the Premier League.
Fans and pundits alike have expressed mixed feelings about Tuanzebe’s move. Ipswich supporters lament the loss of a player who was instrumental in their promotion push, despite his injury troubles. Some have criticized his decision to leave after Ipswich’s efforts to rehabilitate him from injuries, while others recognize the appeal of Premier League football and the opportunity to compete at the highest level.
Tuanzebe’s injury history remains a concern; however, if he can stay fit, his athleticism and defensive versatility could prove invaluable for Burnley. The Clarets will be looking to him to help shore up their backline as they aim to avoid relegation in the fiercely competitive Premier League.
Looking ahead, Burnley’s fixture list includes a significant early-season clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford, where Tuanzebe will face his former club. Alongside Hannibal Mejbri, this encounter adds an intriguing subplot to Burnley’s campaign and highlights the continuing influence of Manchester United’s youth academy on the Premier League landscape.
With the medical complete and the announcement of his signing imminent, Axel Tuanzebe’s Premier League journey is set to continue. Burnley are banking on the former Red Devil to bring resilience and experience to their squad as they prepare for the challenges of the 2025-26 season.
