Manchester United are now on the verge of sealing a deal for Brighton’s Ferdi Kadıoğlu, who could be set to join after teammate Carlos Baleba.
Baleba has now completed his Man United medical, with the deal seemingly on the brink of being announed, as the midfielder has signed a five-year contract.
Improving the midfield was always going to be important, with Casemiro leaving, and Manuel Ugarte sustaining an ACL injury, but having strengthened their options in the middle of the park, United can now turn their attentions towards bolstering other areas.
The Red Devils remain keen on a new left-back to provide competition for Luke Shaw, and they have entered contention to sign Kadıoğlu, who made 37 Premier League appearances for Brighton last season.
One of the Turkish defender’s notable strengths was his work-rate, covering 378.5km in the Premier League, which was the highest number in the Brighton squad, and more than any of Michael Carrick‘s players, barring Bruno Fernandes.
|
Ranking |
Man Utd’s hardest workers |
Distance covered in 2025-26 |
|
1. |
Bruno Fernandes |
383.2km |
|
2. |
Luke Shaw |
369.3km |
|
3. |
Bryan Mbeumo |
310.9km |
|
4. |
Casemiro |
309.8km |
|
5. |
Diogo Dalot |
305.8km |
Como scout Ben Mattinson also lauded the full-back for his performances at Euro 2024, saying: “Ferdi Kadıoğlu has been fantastic. Those who knew he was good enough for the big stage have been vindicated.
“Such a press resistant player, constantly interchanging too. Even late on carried out the back then played Yılmaz through. ENGINE.”
The 26-year-old’s work-rate and experience means he could have what it takes to push for Shaw’s spot in Carrick’s starting XI, and United have been making progress towards securing his signature.
Man Utd advancing to sign Ferdi Kadioğlu
According to a report from Turkey (via Sport Witness), Man United are now on the verge of signing Kadıoğlu, in what is expected to be a deal worth £40m, with former club Fenerbahce in line to receive 10% of the transfer fee.
A deal is said to be close to completion, with the Brighton star being identified as an alternative to Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall and two other left-backs.
The Red Devils were thought to be readying an offer for Hall, but his high asking price could be off-putting, and the Magpies have already offloaded a number of their key players this summer, which suggests they could be reluctant to sanction another departure.
Kadıoğlu would be a much cheaper addition to Carrick’s squad, but the Turkish defender has only had one season as a regular starter in the Premier League, meaning he may not be a sure-fire success at Old Trafford.
