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Brighton & Hove Albion are reportedly planning to make a “€30million bid for Fenerbahce left-back Ferdi Kadioglu” who has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United this summer.
According to a report by Caught Offside, the Seagulls have “made checks” on Kadioglu after their recruitment department scouted him extensively.
The 24-year-old fullback’s performances for Turkey lit up EURO 2024 and Brighton’s scouts were in attendance for every one of these matches. They will have been impressed with his potent pairing of technical ability and defensive intensity.
Earlier in the summer, United were linked with a move for Kadioglu as Old Trafford officials began plans to overhaul Erik ten Hag’s defensive unit.
Repeated injuries in defence had ravaged the club’s season last year and INEOS, in their first transfer window at the helm at Old Trafford, were keen to avoid a repeat this season.
A deal for Leny Yoro, LOSC Lille’s 18-year-old defensive starlet, was agreed earlier this month, and talks are ongoing over a move for Matthijs de Ligt to further buttress central defence.
A fullback is also considered a priority, however, with the preference thought to be for a versatile defender, capable of playing at either right-back or left-back, given the repeated absences of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia last season.
Kadioglu fits the bill perfectly as a mutli-functional defender whose equally comfortable on either side of defence. And it’s this versatility which is likely driving Brighton’s interest, as well as United and, previously, Borussia Dortmund.
The Turkish international is said to be “open to a move to the Premier League” but Caught Offside reveals he is not intending to force through a transfer this summer.
Instead, the report states, Kadioglu “will show respect” to Fenerbahce as new manager Jose Mourinho considers him a “key player” and has instructed the club’s executive branch to not sell the defender.
Consequently, a €30 million bid by Brighton is unlikely to convince the Turkish giants to part with their star defender as they had previously set an asking price of €35 million for his services. However, this figure was set prior to Mourinho’s appointment and Fenerbahce are evidently willing to commit considerable resources to give the Portuguese coach whatever he wants.
As such, even a €35 million bid now may prove insufficient to sign Kadioglu; which is sure to disappoint the recruitment teams at the Amex Stadium and Old Trafford in equal measure.
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