Man Utd star in transfer tug of war as Fenerbahce and Galatasaray show 'interest' amid 'deal close' claims
The latest transfer talk from Old Trafford as Manchester United prepare for the January transfer window.
Christian Eriksen is at the heart of a transfer tug of war as two of Turkey’s biggest clubs reportedly showed an interest in the Manchester United midfielder.
There was some surprise when the 13-time Premier League champions completed the signing of the former Ajax star during the summer of 2022 after he enjoyed a successful short-term spell with Brentford. However, Eriksen has struggled to find consistent game-time under former United manager Erik ten Hag and spoke of his frustration during the summer.
Speaking during Denmark’s Euro 2024 campaign, the United midfielder was asked if it was easier to sit on the bench as an experienced player. He replied: “No, it’s the same. I was also a bit lucky that I didn’t sit on the bench so much when I was younger. But I did it once in a while. It’s never fun. That’s for sure. Personally, you always want to be the one who is chosen first in the team. Sometimes the coach looks the other way. But then I play for United, so there is just a battle for places, because there are a lot of good players.”
Eriksen has started five of United’s 11 Premier League fixtures so far this season and has made three starts in Europa League draws with FC Twente, Porto and Fenerbahce. He also scored twice in the 7-0 Carabao Cup win against Barnsley in September - but is still said to be unhappy with the level of game-time he received under Ten Hag. Little is known over how new head coach Ruben Amorim sees Eriksen’s future - but a major decision lies in wait over the former Spurs man as he heads into the final six months of his current deal at Old Trafford in the new year.
Eriksen could be handed a route out of United by Jose Mourinho after Turkish news outlet Star reported the former Red Devils manager has submitted a request to the Fenerbahce board to pursue a move for the experienced midfielder. Significantly, the report also claims Eriksen has ‘given the green light’ to a move to the Super Lig giants and suggested a deal was close. However, the report also stresses Fenerbahce face competition from arch rivals Galatasaray and Dutch giants Ajax, who have also shown an interest in landing a deal for Eriksen.