Man Utd star reaches total agreement to join UCL club; expected transfer fee will make Ten Hag wince
**Man Utd Star Reaches Total Agreement to Join UCL Club; Expected Transfer Fee Will Make Ten Hag Wince**
Manchester United’s right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, a significant signing whose value has plummeted under Erik ten Hag, has reportedly agreed to personal terms with Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray. This move, however, is set to leave Ten Hag and United’s management reeling due to the projected transfer fee, according to recent reports.
**Questionable Transfers Haunt Post-Ferguson Era**
Manchester United’s struggles in the transfer market have significantly contributed to the club’s stagnation since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson. Despite spending hefty sums on high-profile signings, many have failed to deliver consistent performances at Old Trafford.
**Wan-Bissaka’s Decline at United**
One such player is Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who initially showed promise but has since struggled to maintain his form. Renowned for his defensive prowess, particularly in one-on-one situations, Wan-Bissaka’s offensive limitations have seen him lose his starting position to Diogo Dalot. Last season, he made 22 Premier League appearances, largely due to an injury crisis that required him to fill in at left-back or when Dalot shifted to the left.
**United’s Squad Overhaul and Wan-Bissaka’s Exit**
Manchester United are undergoing a significant squad overhaul, and Wan-Bissaka is among those expected to be sold. The club exercised a one-year extension on his contract at the start of 2024, meaning he is now entering the final 12 months of his deal without another extension option, making it crucial for United to sell him this summer.
**Galatasaray: The Solution to United’s Dilemma**
Galatasaray, the reigning Turkish Super Lig champions, have identified Wan-Bissaka as their primary target for the right-back position. Reports from beIN Sports Turkey indicate that Wan-Bissaka is ready to accept a four-year contract with the club, and a recent update confirms that personal terms have been fully agreed upon. The deal will see Wan-Bissaka earn approximately €3.5 million per year, equating to around £55,000 per week.
**Transfer Fee: A Bitter Pill for Ten Hag**
The stumbling block now is the transfer fee. Earlier reports suggested Galatasaray were hoping to pay no more than €20 million for Wan-Bissaka. However, the latest news from Turkey indicates they are now aiming for a fee in the range of €7 million to €10 million (£5.9 million to £8.5 million). Such a low figure is troubling for Manchester United, especially as their current transfer budget is believed to be around £50 million.
**Impact on Ten Hag’s Transfer Plans**
The sale of players like Jadon Sancho, Mason Greenwood, and Wan-Bissaka is expected to boost Ten Hag’s transfer kitty. However, receiving such a modest sum for Wan-Bissaka would barely make a dent in the funds available for new signings. United are likely to push for a higher fee, but with Wan-Bissaka’s contract status, their negotiating power is significantly weakened.
**Conclusion**
As Manchester United prepares for a busy transfer window, the potential sale of Aaron Wan-Bissaka to Galatasaray highlights the club’s ongoing struggles in the transfer market. While personal terms have been agreed upon, the final transfer fee could prove to be a sticking point, leaving Ten Hag and the club’s management in a difficult position as they look to rebuild and strengthen the squad for the upcoming season.
