Galatasaray Plotting Summer Move for Man United Left-back Alex Telles

Alex Telles, Manchetser United, Galatasaray, Al-Nassr

According to reports in Turkey, Galatasaray are eyeing a move for Manchester United defender Alex Telles in the upcoming summer transfer window. The left-back is way down the pecking order for a first-team place at Old Trafford and a move could be on the cards.

Alex Telles joined Manchester United in the summer transfer window of 2020 for a transfer fee of around €15 million. The Brazilian is under contract with the English club until June 2024. He made 50 appearances for the Red Devils before moving to Sevilla on loan last summer.

The 30-year-old has struggled for form this season, having accumulated just 3 assists in 27 appearances across all competitions (Stats via Transfermarkt). The full-back was sidelined for one-and-a-half months due to a knee injury before making his return to the starting line-up last month.

According to Turkish-Football, Galatasaray are planning an end-of-season move for Manchester United full-back Alex Telles. The report also states that the Turkish side have identified two other targets besides Telles – Benfica’s Alejandro Grimaldo, Juventus’ Alex Sandro – to strengthen their left-back position.

The Brazilian will enter the last 12 months of his contract with the Red Devils this summer. He is most likely to depart Old Trafford as the club have no long-term plans for him and is not looking to offer him a new contract. Moreover, the Red Devils have put him up for sale in the upcoming window, as reported by TEAMtalk.

Galatasaray plot end of seaon move for Man United defender: Galatasaray are plotting an end of the season move for Manchester United defender Alex Telles, Lions sources revealed to Turkish-Football. The Yellow Reds want to sign Telles over the summer… https://t.co/b5ghlpN9Py pic.twitter.com/EAG2jTv6pm

— Galatasaray_MP (@Galatasaray_MP) March 4, 2023

On the other hand, the 30-year-old is not a stranger to the Super Lig club. Alex Telles played at Galatasaray between 2014-2015, before moving to Porto in 2016. He made 60 appearances in one-and-a-half seasons at the Nef Stadium.

Player Analysis

Alex Telles started his professional career at Gremio in January 2013. He has also played for Inter Milan, FC Porto and Galatasaray, helping the latter win two Turkish Cups, a Super Lig, and a Turkish Super Cup, with two goals and four assists in 60 matches (stats via Transfermarkt).

The Brazilian is recognized as one of the better full-backs in the game due to his attacking and defensive abilities. The full-back is an excellent dribbler, capable of bypassing defenders and setting up scoring opportunities for his team. His crossing ability is top-notch, as he can provide precise deliveries from open play and set-pieces.

Alex Telles in Liga Nos
126- Games
19 – Goals
38 – Assists

Could be an amazing attacking threat under Antonio Conte. pic.twitter.com/ZOU1DFfWQj

— . (@toby7_) October 28, 2021

The defender can also score goals through well-timed runs and long-range shots. The 30-year-old is equally strong defensively, with a great sense of positioning and anticipation, allowing him to make crucial interceptions to break up opposition attacks.

Telles is also a solid tackler and proficient at blocking shots and crosses. His stamina and work rate are also noteworthy, as he can cover large distances on the pitch and provide support in both defence and attack. He is a team player who is always willing to give his all on the pitch.

During Manchester United’s pre-season last summer, the Brazilian played as a centre-back but was deemed surplus to requirements by manager Erik ten Hag. Although he could have developed further under the Dutch manager, the arrival of Tyrell Malacia pushed him further down the pecking order.

The Dutch left-back’s arrival made it impossible for Alex Telles to stay. A move away this summer would be most beneficial for the 30-year-old defender and therefore, the Red Devils are likely to sell him permanently and recoup some of the transfer fee paid for him.

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