Aheed Abrar
Besiktas striker Vincent Aboubakar was in talks with Manchester United in January
Vincent Aboubakar, who currently plays for Besiktas, has revealed that he was in talks with Manchester United regarding a move in January.
Before the 2022 World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo left the Red Devils and ended up at Al-Nassr. However, in order to fit the Portugal international into the squad, the Saudi Pro League outfit had to part ways with the Cameroon international.
Speaking to Canal Plus via Sporx (h/t Manchester Evening News), the 31-year-old disclosed that the Old Trafford side, as well as Atletico Marid, were in discussions with him. However, the striker ended up going back to Turkey.
“Before signing for Besiktas, I was also in talks with Manchester United and Atletico Madrid. After the talks, I said to Besiktas; ‘If you give me what I want, it won’t be a problem for me to come back’. And I returned to Besiktas.”
Aboubakar has enjoyed a vast spell in European football. The Cameroon international’s most comprehensive stint came at FC Porto. He has also joined Besiktas on a couple of other occasions before.
Ronaldo’s departure led to options in United’s front line depleting. The Portuguese had lost his influence in the starting lineup at the Old Trafford side under Erik ten Hag but was still a crucial backup option.
Anthony Martial has been injury prone in the current campaign. The Dutch manager has been unable to count on the French national on a consistent basis this season.
🚀 Amir Hadziahmetovic'ten klas asist, Vincent Aboubakar'dan harikulade bitiriş! #ADSvBJK pic.twitter.com/8ALogr1XM0
— beIN SPORTS Türkiye (@beINSPORTS_TR) May 21, 2023
As a result, in the previous transfer window, the Red Devils paid Besiktas a compensation fee to terminate the loan deal of Wout Weghorst and got the Holland international on a temporary move from Burnley.
The 30-year-old has played a lot at United in the last few months. Unfortunately, the former Wolfsburg striker has left a lot to be desired on occasions.
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Aboubakar would have evidently been a short-term fix for the Red Devils up top as well. Hopefully, the Old Trafford side will add depth in the attack next summer in order to avoid acquiring panic buys in the winter window.
