Man Utd eye shock transfer HIJACK despite agreement

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 19 Aug 2024 08:29 BST
• 3 min read

Ferdi Kadioglu has agreed personal terms with Brighton & Hove Albion, but Manchester United are looking to hijack the deal, according to reports in Turkey.

Kadioglu, 24, has told Fenerbahce that he has agreed to join Brighton, as per Fabrizio Romano, and the two clubs are now in discussions over a transfer fee.

However, Man Utd are looking to pounce before an agreement is reached.

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As exclusively revealed by FootballTransfers, the Red Devils sent scouts to watch Kadioglu in action at the 2024 European Championship and they are hoping to sign him this summer.

That is according to Turkish outlet Sporx, who have reported that Man Utd have already submitted their first offer to Fenerbahce.

The report states that Man Utd are currently offering a larger guaranteed fee, while Brighton’s offer is bigger when including add-on bonuses.

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Kadioglu made 51 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring three goals and providing five assists.

Despite predominantly playing at left-back for both Fenerbahce and the Turkish national team, Kadioglu is right-footed, meaning he is capable of playing on either flank.

Man Utd currently have Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia as senior left-back options, although both are sidelined through injury, while Brighton have Pervis Estupinan and Valentin Barco to call upon at present.

Jose Mourinho wants to keep Ferdi Kadioglu

Despite significant interest in the 24-year-old, Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho is hoping to keep Kadioglu this summer.

He recently told reporters: ““Teams that want to achieve something should develop their squads and not lose their best players.

“I want Ferdi to stay, but it is a matter above me.

“He is a great professional and a very good kid. He is training very well. I hope he stays in the team.”

Kadioglu has two years left on his current contract at Fenerbahce, while his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at €15.3 million.