End of an era.
It is fair to say that Marouane Fellaini has divided opinion since joining Manchester United from Everton for £27.5m in 2013.
David Moyes’ first prestige signing when he replaced Sir Alex Ferguson as manager, the combative Belgian has either been a hard-working and committed squad player with an impressive mentality, or a sub-standard and clumsy recruit who was never really United quality. The fans have either grown to like him or got more and more fed up, depending on who you ask.
But four years and four trophies after joining the club, Fellaini is on the verge of leaving. Despite the fact that Jose Mourinho sees him as very usual backup and has complimented his faithful execution of tactical orders, the 29-year-old has decided that his Old Trafford adventure is over and has agreed to one last big move before his unique skills begin to wane with age.
On Friday, Galatasaray sporting director Cenk Ergun was candid about rumours and confirmed that they had entered formal negotiations to sign the player: “We are in talks with Fellaini. We have made an approach – we are close. If we get Fellaini we will end our pursuit of N’Diaye. We need a player like Fellaini who can shuttle around in midfield.”
Now the club have agreed personal terms with the midfielder, according to reliable Turkish outlet Ajanspor, and have beaten off competition from league rivals Trabzonspor. A transfer fee is yet to be agreed but the deal is so progressed that is it hoped the player will join before United take on Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup on August 8.
