Erik ten Hag is reportedly interested in bringing 24-year-old versatile Turkish defender Ferdi Kadioglu from Fenerbahce to Manchester United this summer.
According to a report by Turkish outlet A Spor, Ferdi Kadioglu is the subject of interest from Manchester United. The Red Devils want reinforcements for both full-back berths ahead of the 2024/25 season. Erik ten Hag is driving the Premier League club’s move for the 24-year-old versatile Fenerbahce defender in the summer transfer window.
The rise of Ferdi Kadioglu at Fenerbahce
Ferdi Kadioglu has been one of the best players in the Turkish Super Lig since joining Fenerbahce from NEC Nijmegen in July 2018. The versatile defender is primarily a left-back but can play as a right-back and a midfielder. Meanwhile, the Dutch-born full-back represented the Netherlands in age-group football before picking Turkiye as his national side at the senior level.
The 24-year-old has turned out nearly 200 times thus far for Fenerbahce while chipping in with 17 goals and 22 assists. Meanwhile, Kadioglu’s progress at the Turkish club has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe, including Manchester United.
Premier League move on the horizon?
The Red Devils are keen on signing a left-back in the summer transfer after Luke Shaw missed the majority of the 2023/24 season with persistent fitness issues. In addition, Tyrell Malacia did not manage a single minute of action last term or even appear on a matchday squad for Manchester United.
So, it behoves Manchester United to invest in a left-back in the summer transfer window, with several candidates, including Ferdi Kadioglu, emerging on their radar. In addition, the 24-year-old versatile Turkish defender can be a viable backup option for the right-back berth amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term future of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Recent reports have pointed to Manchester United being in the pole position to secure Ferdi Kadioglu’s services in the summer transfer window. The latest update has revealed that Erik ten Hag wants Manchester United to pursue the Dutch-born full-back’s signature.
With Manchester United leading the race to sign Kadioglu from Fenerbahce, it will be interesting to see if the Premier League heavyweights can beat the competition to his signature and bring Erik ten Hag’s desired target to Old Trafford.
