Liverpool and Man Utd in transfer race to wrest Jose Mourinho’s $33m star

Liverpool and Manchester United are reportedly battling for the signature of Fenerbahce star Ferdi Kadioglu. The Turkish defender impressed during his time with the national team at Euro 2024 and is now attracting interest from across the Premier League, according to reports.

According to Calciomercato, Liverpool and United have joined the growing list of clubs in Europe keeping tabs on Kadioglu. Arsenal, Juventus and Newcastle United are other teams who have also been touted as possible landing destinations for the defender.

The 24-year-old is capable of playing on either flank and would be a useful addition for new Liverpool boss Arne Slot, who may look to shift Trent Alexander-Arnold into a more permanent midfield role in future.

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The Turkish giants are against an exit for the player, although if he were to part ways with the club they would demand a fee of around $33m (€30m/£25m). Liverpool are yet to make a signing in the summer transfer window, while the Red Devils have been one of the busier sides as they move forward with other targets such as Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt.

However, if any club want to sign Kadioglu, they are likely to face a major hurdle this summer – as new boss Jose Mourinho looks to keep hold of one of the club’s best players. “Our president wants our club to develop, not regress,” Mourinho told Hurriyet when asked about the future of Kadioglu and others in the squad.

“That means keeping the best players, not selling them. The main priority is to bring the players we have back into the team. This will happen step by step.”

Liverpool.com says: Liverpool are looking to add depth in the summer transfer window, particularly in defence. The likes of Andy Robertson and Alexander-Arnold missed extended spells last season and having a player like Kadioglu who can fill multiple positions could prove vital over the course of the upcoming campaign. At 24, he’s also far from his prime and could develop well under Slot.