Aaron Wan-Bissaka Nears Exit from Manchester United

Aaron Wan-Bissaka Nears Exit from Manchester United to Galatasaray

Aaron Wan-Bissaka is reportedly close to joining Galatasaray as he agrees to personal terms, marking a significant step towards his departure from Manchester United. The Turkish club has made the right-back their primary defensive target for the summer, with the expectation that a deal could be finalized soon.

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Key Details of the Potential Transfer

Club: Galatasaray (Turkey)
Player: Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Age: 26
Position: Right-Back
Current Club: Manchester United
Contract Expiry: June 2025 (with a one-year extension activated in January 2024)

Agreed Personal Terms

Wan-Bissaka has reportedly agreed to a four-year contract with Galatasaray, worth €3.5 million per year. This translates to approximately £57,000 per week, a decrease from his current £90,000 per week at Manchester United.

Contract Offer: €3.5 million per year (approx. £57,000 per week)
Current Salary: £90,000 per week at Manchester United

The offer represents a notable drop in weekly wages, but it may still be a net gain if the salary in Turkey is after taxes.

Transfer Fee and Negotiations

Galatasaray is negotiating the transfer fee with Manchester United. While United executives are reportedly open to offers around €20 million, Galatasaray hopes to secure a lower fee given United’s urgency to sell rather than lose Wan-Bissaka on a free transfer next summer.

Expected Fee: Around €20 million
Galatasaray’s Goal: Negotiate a lower fee due to United’s need to sell

Reasons for the Transfer

Playing Style Fit: Wan-Bissaka’s style of play, particularly his technical skills and attacking contributions, has not fully aligned with Erik ten Hag’s system at United.
Squad Dynamics: United’s need to streamline their squad and generate funds for other transfers.
Contractual Situation: The extension activated in January 2024 was likely a move to retain transfer value rather than a long-term commitment to the player.

Implications for Manchester United

Right-Back Depth: If Wan-Bissaka departs, United will be left with Diogo Dalot as the only recognized right-back. This necessitates acquiring a replacement or a versatile defender capable of playing multiple positions.
Transfer Strategy: United would need to explore options for a right-back or a versatile defender who can provide cover on both flanks, especially given the injury history on the left side with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.

Potential Replacements and Squad Adjustments

Manchester United will need to secure a new right-back or a player with versatility to cover both sides of the defense. Options could include:

Benjamin Pavard: Offers versatility, having played as both a right-back and center-back.
Jeremie Frimpong: Known for his attacking prowess from the right-back position.
Denzel Dumfries: A more direct replacement, providing physicality and offensive contributions from right-back.

Internal Options: Promoting from within or adjusting the current squad setup might also be considered, but acquiring a new player seems more likely.

Conclusion

Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s potential move to Galatasaray reflects a strategic decision by Manchester United to realign their squad and generate transfer funds. For Wan-Bissaka, this move offers a fresh start in a new league where he could better utilize his defensive capabilities and perhaps even develop further offensively. The deal aligns with Galatasaray’s ambitions to strengthen their defense with an experienced Premier League player.

Potential Manchester United Defensive Setup Without Wan-Bissaka:

Right-Back: Diogo Dalot
Possible New Signings: A versatile defender or a dedicated right-back (e.g., Pavard, Frimpong)
Cover for Injuries: Reinforcing the squad depth to avoid the issues faced with left-back injuries last season.

As the transfer window progresses, United’s next moves in the market will be crucial in ensuring they maintain a balanced and competitive squad for the upcoming season.