Aaron Wan-Bissaka, a costly acquisition whose role at Manchester United has diminished under Erik ten Hag, has reportedly agreed to personal terms with Galatasaray. The anticipated transfer fee, however, is likely to disappoint Ten Hag. Since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United’s stagnation has been attributed to numerous missteps in the transfer market, with significant funds spent on underperforming players.
Wan-Bissaka, a right-back, initially showed potential but has since lost favor. Despite his strong one-on-one defensive skills, his limited ball handling and offensive capabilities have led Ten Hag to prefer Diogo Dalot for the right-back position. Last season, Wan-Bissaka made 22 Premier League appearances, mainly due to an injury crisis that required him to either cover at left-back or play right-back while Dalot covered the left.
Manchester United are in the midst of a major squad overhaul and are open to selling Wan-Bissaka. This need is more urgent as they triggered a one-year extension in his contract in early 2024, leaving him with just 12 months remaining and no further extensions available.
Galatasaray appears poised to resolve United’s situation. Reports indicate that Wan-Bissaka has agreed on personal terms with the Turkish club, who have made him their top right-back target. According to beIN Sports Turkey, Wan-Bissaka is prepared to accept a four-year contract, earning approximately €3.5 million annually, or around £55,000 per week.
With personal terms settled, attention now turns to negotiating a transfer fee. Initial reports suggested Galatasaray aimed to pay no more than €20 million for Wan-Bissaka. However, recent updates indicate Galatasaray is now hoping to secure the player for between €7 million and €10 million, equivalent to £5.9 million to £8.5 million.
These figures are concerning given Manchester United’s limited £50 million budget for the current transfer window. Proceeds from the sales of players like Jadon Sancho, Mason Greenwood, and Wan-Bissaka are crucial for increasing Ten Hag’s transfer funds. If United receives a low sum for Wan-Bissaka, Ten Hag’s spending power will be minimally enhanced.
Manchester United will likely push for the best possible deal, aiming to convince Galatasaray to agree to a higher fee. However, due to Wan-Bissaka’s contract situation, United’s negotiating position is weak.
