Football Today
·24 July 2024
Man Utd must sign Kadioglu to replace Malacia
![Article image:Man Utd must sign Kadioglu to replace Malacia](https://image-service.onefootball.com/transform?w=280&h=210&dpr=2&image=https%3A%2F%2Ffootballtoday.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F07%2Ffbl-euro-2024-match44-aut-tur-scaled.jpg)
In partnership with
Yahoo sportsFootball Today
·24 July 2024
Manchester United are considering the prospect of signing a new left-back this summer.
The Red Devils have Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia as their specialist left-back options, but the latter has not played for the club in the last 14 months.
The Dutchman underwent surgery for a knee issue last summer, but he suffered another setback in his recovery which has prolonged his comeback to action.
United recently revealed that Malacia is under an individual training programme, but there is no suitable return date for him.
ESPN claims the club have started the search for a new left-back. A right-back could also be signed if Aaron Wan-Bissaka is sold in the near future.
The Red Devils should focus on signing Fenerbahce’s Ferdi Kadioglu, who can comfortably play in both full-back positions.
Kadioglu made 51 appearances for Fenerbahce last season where he registered three goals and five assists. He predominantly played left-back.
The Turkish ace completed 85 percent of his passes and won 60% of his duels. He made an impressive 6.7 recoveries and won two tackles per game.
The NEC Nijmegen graduate has shown that he can provide the right balance between attack and defence. He would be a perfect competitor for Shaw at left-back.
Shaw has been hampered by numerous injury concerns since his horrific leg break in 2015. Erik ten Hag has acknowledged that he can never play 60 games in a season.
Kadioglu, who is right-footed, could also provide handy competition to Diogo Dalot at right-back, particularly if Wan-Bissaka heads for the exit door in the coming weeks.
Fenerbahce are holding out for £29.5 million for the versatile star, who scored the winning goal in the 4-3 triumph over Lugano in the first leg of the Champions League second qualifying round last night.
United could sign him for less if Victor Lindelof agrees to join the Istanbul giants. Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho has set his sights on a reunion with the Sweden international.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com.