Given that Turkish clubs are still able to do transfer business until Friday, reports had suggested they’d taken a look at two Manchester United outcasts.
First and foremost, Casemiro had found himself linked with a move away from Old Trafford after his horror show in the first half of the side’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool, which saw him come under fire for being at fault for the two quickfire goals conceded.
While the Brazilian simply cannot retain a starting role throughout the course of the term, shipping him off to Galatasaray, who were said to be interested, would leave Erik ten Hag too short of options in the middle of the park – especially as fixtures will be coming thick and fast in all competitions after the international break.
Elsewhere, outcast Antony was rumoured to be a target for Fenerbache and in fairness, his departure wouldn’t make too much of a difference to the squad.
He has featured just once this season in a one-minute cameo off the bench vs Brighton and Hove Albion, having fallen behind younger counterparts Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho in the pecking order.
Antony ‘determined’ to see out the season with United
However, ESPN claims that after being made aware of the Super Lig outfit’s interest, Antony has made clear his desire to stay at United. He is ‘keen to feature more regularly’ but would rather that be in Manchester than abroad, even if an offer is submitted by Friday’s deadline.
Antony is a sunk cost. He has no present or future value as a player or club ‘asset’. If Man Utd can somehow get a fee for his sale at any point, and thus create some value, then that decision is a no-brainer.