Manchester United have opened talks with Galatasaray over the possibility of signing 18-year-old defender Ozan Kabak, according to Turkish outlet Aksam.
The Reds have been seeking defensive reinforcements for some time now, and it is understood that the Turkish club’s president, Mustafa Cengiz, flew to England to discuss a possible deal for the centre-half.
It is believed that a fee of around £20 million would be enough to tempt the Turkish giants into letting him leave Istanbul, with Kabak under contract until 2020.
A product of Galatasaray’s youth system, the teenager has established himself as a regular starter this season, making 15 appearances in all competitions.
Good move for United?
The Reds need to strengthen in defence, that much is painfully clear, but a move for an 18-year-old rookie isn’t going to solve their defensive woes. Kabak is a huge prospect and has a massive future ahead of him, but right now Jose Mourinho needs to bring in a proven stalwart who can whip his backline into shape as soon as possible. The best parallel that can be drawn is Liverpool’s signing of Virgil van Dijk. The £75 million forked out on the Dutchman was baulked at by many, but he has helped transform a leaky defence into one of the most solid units in Europe. There’s no saying that Kabak couldn’t have a role to play at Old Trafford, especially in years to come, but right now that money must be invested elsewhere.
This is Futbol rating: 3/10
Likely to happen?
Things are looking pretty advanced. With Galatasaray’s president jetting out to England for talks and the fee set at a relatively measly £20 million, it wouldn’t be a shock if this went through, if not in January then perhaps in the summer. The recent success of Diogo Dalot could also inspire United to try and replicate a similar kind of deal for a fresh new prospect before his price tag is driven through the roof. The only real hurdle could be reported interest from Manchester City. If Pep Guardiola’s side are keen then it could come come down to a battle of funds and wills that United might not fancy their chances in.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10