Fenerbahce reportedly want at least €20m to allow their prodigious young centre-back Yusuf Akcicek to leave this summer, with Manchester United interested.
After making the bold switch from Galatasaray to their Istanbul rivals Fenerbahçe at the youth level in 2019, Akcicek had to wait until the end of last season to make his senior debut.
Since then, his reputation has soared under former United manager Jose Mourinho. Akcicek has steadily progressed within Fenerbahçe’s senior squad, earning regular game time in the Europa League before the team’s elimination on penalties against Rangers.
Akcicek has featured in 12 matches across the Super Lig and Europa League, recording one goal and one assist—both of which came in the European competition.
His impressive performances and great potential have alerted a number of clubs to his availability. In addition to United, Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig have also been linked to the 19-year-old.
A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Aston Villa are the other Premier League outfit that has demonstrated a strong interest in Akcicek.
Now, Turkish journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu has given an update on Akcicek’s situation, indicating that Ligue 1’s AS Monaco are also eyeing the defender.
Sabuncuoğlu further notes that Fenerbahce are willing to sanction a sale for a minimum fee of €20m.
The fee isn’t excessive, especially given today’s transfer market, but it remains to be seen whether United will consider it reasonable for a player still in the early stages of his senior football career.
The Red Devils have already shown they’re not afraid to sign young defenders who have the potential to step up to the top level.
Ayden Heaven joined from Arsenal during the transfer window and, in the few appearances he made before his injury just before the international break, proved he is ready for the big stage.
If United deem Akcicek to be equally gifted, he could follow a similar trajectory to Heaven.
Featured image Ahmad Mora via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
