Manchester United Transfer News: Sofiane Feghouli, Oguzhan Ozyakup Rumours
Manchester United have reportedly made an approach to Valencia’s Sofiane Feghouli over a possible move to the Premier League.
That’s according to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport (h/t Will Giles of Metro) who claims the Red Devils will rival both Tottenham Hotspur and Inter Milan for the Algeria international. Feghouli’s current deal with Valencia expires at the end of this season, meaning he could sign a pre-contract with another club from January onwards.
For Valencia, it’d be a big blow to lose the 25-year-old, who has been one of the team’s standout players in recent years.
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As OptaJose noted earlier in the year, Feghouli has been a consistent creative presence at the Estadio Mestalla:
Given the teams apparently looking at him, perhaps it’s little surprise the winger is stalling on signing a new deal with Valencia. While Los Che are an illustrious outfit, the likes of United will offer more lucrative terms and more guarantees when it comes to chasing the top honours.
From United’s perspective, landing Feghouli would definitely represent a bargain. The winger is a vibrant presence on the right flank, scorching up and down the line, linking up the play and regularly getting himself on the end of chances. However, this season has been a frustrating one for him, making just five La Liga starts so far.
As noted by Kevin Palmer of ESPN FC, so often this season the Red Devils have really struggled when it comes to turning possession into genuine chances:
Feghouli would definitely add a dash of ingenuity to the team’s forays forward, and on a potential free transfer, it’s a risk-free deal for United. If manager Louis van Gaal can guarantee the Algerian a key role in the squad, then this one could be goer, as well as a shrewd move on the part of the Old Trafford outfit.
United Looking at Oguzhan Ozyakup
According to Eurosport Turkey (h/t Mark Brus of Metro), United are looking at former Arsenal youth team player Oguzhan Ozyakup, who is now plying his trade at Super Lig side Besiktas.
In the piece, it’s suggested former United and Arsenal star Robin van Persie has provided the Red Devils with some encouraging feedback when it comes to Ozyakup, who plies his trade in central midfield.
The 23-year-old, who has 12 caps for Turkey national side, has been making encouraging progress this season. As OptaCan note here, the midfielder has not only been controlling matches with a poise, but he’s making decisive contributions in clashes, too:
United would be a big step up for Ozyakup. While he has plenty of talent, starring in the Premier League is a lot different to thriving in the Turkish top flight. The temperament and physicality needed to play for a club such as the Red Devils can also inhibit players coming in from less illustrious leagues, although having played for Arsenal previously would assist him in that sense.
Perhaps most pertinently, central midfield is not a position that United need any additions. Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger were acquired recently, joining the likes of Ander Herrera, Marouane Fellaini, Michael Carrick and Daley Blind as options in the middle of the park. Ozyakup, therefore, would struggle to get a look in.
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