Manchester United’s plan for this transfer market was to go after central defender, midfielder, striker and right winger. However due to injuries to their left backs they also need to sign a player at that position. United’s defensive line was significantly weak in the 2023/24 season. Firstly, Tyrell Malacia missed the whole season due to serious injury. In addition, Luke Shaw was injured for majority of season resulting in increasing problems for Erik Ten Hag. Ten Hag often used Diogo Dalot as the left back. However, it is not the ideal position of the Portugese international. Hence, United want to sign a proper left back who can play on regular basis. The name which United are considering is Turkish left back Ferdi Kadioglu.
Luke Shaw has been with Manchester United from the past 10 years. The 29 year old has been club’s first choice full back in majority of those 10 seasons. However in 2023/24 season Shaw was injured for the most of the season. He only made 12 Premier League appearances. On the other hand Tyrell Malacia who made 22 Premier League appearances in his debut season with United missed the whole 2023/24 season. Malacia was seen after very long time when United lifted the FA Cup against Manchester City.
United are looking to sign Kadioglu from Fenerbahce. Along with United many other clubs are interested in signing the Turkish international. Kadioglu has caught eyes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle United, Wolves and Juventus. However, United are leading the race for the 24 year old fullback according to TEAMtalk.
United keen to sign Ferdi Kadioglu
Manchester United are keen to sign Kadioglu due to his versatility. The Turkish defender can play as a central defender, left back and even as a winger. He was superb throughout the 2023/24 season. Kadioglu scored 3 goals and provided 4 assists which gives a clear idea about his attacking instincts. Kadioglu’s defensive attributes are as effective as his attacking. He has already showed his quality in the Euro 2024 with Turkey. Kadioglu is now 24 years old and will be entering the peak years of his career. A move to Premier League will be a huge step in career as he will be able to play at the highest level.
However Fenerbahce’s new manager Jose Mourinho wants Kadioglu to stay. A great manager like Mourinho can make players change their mind. Fenerbahce could make it hard for United to get their hands on Kadioglu. It has been reported that Fenerbahce are demanding atleast €35 million for Kadioglu. On the other hand, United have faith that they can sign Kadioglu and now have set up a meeting with Kadioglu’s representatives.
Other clubs interested in Kadioglu
Arsenal have been interested to sign Ferdi Kadioglu from a long time. The Gunners are desperately looking for a left back. Oleksandr Zinchenko, Kieran Tierney and Jakub Kiwior are all linked with a move away from Emirates. Mikel Arteta is interested in signing the Turkish fullback and maybe have upper hand over United as moving to Arsenal may provide Kadioglu an opportunity to play in Champions League.
Juventus who are also interested in signing the 24 year old defender may fall behind in the race due to their current financial situation. However the Serie A side can achieve his signature by convincing Fenerbahce with a swap deal. One out of Weston McKennie, Filip Kostic or Arkadiusz Milik could be offered to Mourinho’s side as a part of the deal.
As per now, United are leading the race. If the talks between Kadioglu’s representatives and Red Devils progress, we may see him arriving at Old Trafford soon.
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