Manchester United are reportedly running the rule over 19-year-old Fenerbahce defender Yusuf Akcicek, who has broken into Jose Mourinho‘s first team this season.
The Red Devils added to their youthful defensive ranks in January with the capture of Ayden Heaven from Arsenal, but more reinforcements are likely to be sought in the summer.
Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire could both be on the way out at the end of the season; the former’s deal expires in June, although the latter recently had his one-year option triggered to keep him on the books until 2026.
Maguire has played a vital role in Ruben Amorim‘s back three this term, but the England international may still be allowed to leave for the right price this summer as Man United look to recoup a portion of the £80m they paid for him.
Maguire and Lindelof’s likely exits should precede at least one defensive arrival ahead of the 2025-26 season, and according to Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu, Fenerbahce’s Akcicek is a player of interest.
Who is Man United-linked Akcicek?
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While the Red Devils played out a 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday, Mourinho’s Fenerbahce suffered a 3-1 loss to Rangers at the same stage.
Man United apparently sent scouts to keep a close eye on Akcicek’s performance in the clash with Barry Ferguson‘s side, where he started alongside Caglar Soyuncu and Milan Skriniar in defence.
The 2006-born defender did not enjoy his finest evening as he was taken off at half time after not putting in a single tackle, block or clearance, although he did complete 95% of his passes.
Akcicek did have a telling impact in the playoff round, though, providing one goal and one assist over two legs against Anderlecht, and he has already played five Turkish Super Lig matches in the current season.
The teenager stands at 6ft 4in tall, has won six caps for the Turkey Under-19 team – scoring once – and is comfortable both as a centre-back and in the number six role.
Mourinho makes Raphael Varane claim after Akcicek performance
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One of Akcicek’s two Super Lig starts so far this season came in a goalless draw with fierce rivals Galatasaray on February 24, after which ex-Man United head coach Mourinho lavished praise on the 19-year-old.
The Portuguese stopped short of directly comparing him to the legendary Raphael Varane, but he emphasised the similarities between the pair, telling reporters: “To play the kid in a match like that, 19-years-old, he saved my a****.
“He was amazing. I’m very proud of him and I trust him. He’s not perfect but he will be perfect. I don’t want to compare him to Rapha Varane because Rapha Varane has won four Champions Leagues, World Cup and won everything.
“But I had Rapha Varane when he was 18 and I was not wrong. And I am not wrong with this kid. (He has a) big personality and is very confident.”
Fenerbahce will be in a strong negotiating position if Man United come to the table this summer, as Akcicek’s contract does not expire until the summer of 2028.
