Earlier this week, the future of Donny van de Beek, the wantaway Manchester United midfielder, looked to be edging closer in the form of a move to Turkish side Galatasaray, according to The Daily Mail. Discussions when ongoing between the two clubs, with the transfer window in Turkey not closing until September 15th.
However, recent developments have since emerged which indicates that Galatasaray will face some competition over the signature of van de Beek, and it is from a rival they are more than aware of. Fenerbahce, as say Turkish publication A Spor, have expressed an interest in the former Ajax man, and could be about to make their move.
A loan offer for van de Beek from Gala was rejected on the transfer deadline day in England, with a loan offer not deemed acceptable enough in the eyes of the Old Trafford club. The 26-year-old is now desperate to end his stint with The Red Devils having barely made any significant impact since making the move from Eredivisie giants Ajax three years ago.
The Dutchman did enjoy some time in and around Erik ten Hag's first-team during pre-season, appearing in friendly fixtures against Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao, whilst also providing the assists for both of their goals during a 3-2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in July. However, he hasn't even made the bench in any of United's opening four Premier League clashes of the new season.
Therefore, with his future seemingly decided in the eyes of his manager, van de Beek just wants to get back playing football, and it would appear he could have a straight choice between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce if reports are to be believed. A switch to La Liga side Real Sociedad was also muted last month, but it did not materialise in the end.
The fact that the transfer window in Turkey remains open for over a week means this is an opportunity the likes of van de Beek could make the most of. With practically all of the other major European leagues no longer making transfers, options are certainly limited for van de Beek should he really wish to get out of the club he has struggled to make an impression with.
The player clearly needs a new challenge and a change of scenery. He did get that the season before last during a loan move to fellow Premier League outfit Everton. However, he would only make seven Premier League appearances for The Toffees, with his strike in the 5-1 loss to Arsenal being his only notable contribution.
As for now, his representatives will likely be engaged in talks with the two Turkish clubs to see if any deal could be thrashed out. Of course, other teams may well enter the picture should they wish, but a switch to these two particular clubs would expect to see him compete for the league title, which may be a swinging factor for the midfield player.
