Manchester United’s pursuit of Ferdi Kadioglu appears to have taken another complicated turn. The Red Devils are in the market for a new left-back to compete with and cover for Luke Shaw.
The Englishman has endured a difficult start to the new campaign after enjoying a tremendous run in the 2025/26 season, during which he started every Premier League game. Shaw is already on the wrong side of 30, and his contract expires in just under 12 months.
To make matters worse, the veteran left-back looked off-colour in the 2-0 defeat to Hull City in the first Premier League game of the new campaign. Shaw also failed to redeem himself in the 5-2 win over Ipswich Town on Sunday.
The situation has accelerated talk of reinforcements in the position before the end of the summer. While Lewis Hall and Alejandro Balde are the big names on United’s wish list, Kadioglu has also been linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Kadioglu’s versatility will entice United
Kadioglu is a left-back by trade, but he is equally comfortable playing on the opposite flank, which will certainly entice United. The Turkey international started his career with Fenerbahce, rising through the ranks to earn his senior debut in 2018.
He soon became a first-team regular, prompting Brighton & Hove Albion to come calling in the summer of 2024. The 26 year old has been a hit at the Amex so far and is now a guaranteed starter for the Seagulls.
Last season, Kadioglu registered one goal from 42 appearances across competitions, operating in various positions on both flanks.
Ferdi Kadioglu Stats: 2025/26 Season
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Red Cards | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 37 | 1 | - | 6 | - | 3,134 |
| EFL Cup | 3 | - | - | 1 | - | 201' |
| FA Cup | 2 | - | - | - | - | 180' |
| Total | 35 | 1 | - | 7 | - | 3,515' |
Source: Transfermarkt.
Kadioglu’s attributes and Premier League experience make him a fine successor for Shaw at Old Trafford. However, a previous report relayed by The Peoples Person states that prising him away this summer could be difficult. Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has now provided an update on the player’s future.
Hurzeler confident of Kadioglu stay
Speaking recently, as cited by Turkish Football, Hurzeler insisted that it is only natural that there will be a lot of rumours surrounding Brighton players in the coming days. However, the German manager insisted that he remains calm about Kadioglu’s future, while also revealing that the player remains settled at the Amex.
He said: “I think there will be a lot of rumours about our players in the coming days. When you are successful as a club—and Brighton is known for signing good players and having one of the best transfer systems in the world—it is only natural that you attract interest when combined with the players’ success and the results achieved.”
“That is why I am completely relaxed. We all know what we have with Ferdi, and Ferdi knows what he has with Brighton. Because of this, I am quite calm.”
Kadioglu is under contract at the Amex until 2028, so Brighton can afford to be relaxed about the situation.
Final Thoughts
With a congested fixture list ahead, United’s season could depend on their ability to sign a new left-back before the end of the transfer window. While a move for Kadioglu looks unlikely, the Red Devils should swiftly turn to alternative targets and ensure they do not end the summer without reinforcing the position.
Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images
