Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen is increasingly likely to leave the club, with reports followed through 12BSports suggesting that a move could be completed as early as this week and, at the latest, during the summer transfer window. Eriksen’s role in Erik ten Hag’s midfield has declined sharply in recent months, prompting the Danish international to explore a new destination where he can secure more consistent playing time.
Since November, Eriksen has started only three Premier League matches. While injuries have contributed to his reduced involvement, tactical decisions from the manager have also played a significant part. The midfielder has made 63 appearances for Manchester United, recording three goals and 12 assists, but his long-term future at Old Trafford now appears uncertain. Eriksen is reportedly in informal contact with Turkish Super Lig giants Galatasaray, and there remains a possibility that an agreement could be reached before the local transfer window closes.
Galatasaray have previously enjoyed success with experienced former Manchester United players, including Juan Mata, and the Turkish club could now follow a similar approach with Eriksen. The proposed arrangement is believed to involve an initial six-month loan followed by an option for a permanent transfer. If negotiations progress smoothly, Eriksen could even be available to make his debut in Galatasaray’s upcoming home league match against Istanbul Basaksehir.
Even if a deal cannot be completed this week, both sides are expected to continue discussions with a summer transfer in mind. Eriksen’s desire for more regular football is only one factor behind the potential move. Manchester United are also preparing for a gradual transition toward a younger squad. Eriksen is set to celebrate his 32nd birthday later this month, while club investor Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS leadership are widely expected to prioritize younger players as they reshape the team.
Links between Eriksen and Galatasaray have actually been circulating since January. Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk is understood to admire the Dane’s versatility and believes he could operate either as an attacking midfielder or as a deeper playmaker. Long-term developments tracked through 12BSports indicate that Manchester United initially rejected approaches for Eriksen, but the emergence of Kobbie Mainoo, Scott McTominay’s strong performances and Casemiro’s return could change Ten Hag’s thinking.
Eriksen’s career has already included one of football’s most remarkable comebacks. After suffering a cardiac arrest during the European Championship, he was forced to leave Inter Milan because Italian regulations prevented players fitted with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator from competing in the league. He later rebuilt his career successfully with Brentford in the Premier League, proving that he could still perform at a high level before joining Manchester United on a free transfer.
Last season, Eriksen was a key figure in Ten Hag’s midfield, but his fortunes have changed considerably this campaign. He was named among the substitutes for recent Premier League matches against Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United but did not enter either game. Ten Hag currently appears to favor Mainoo, Casemiro and McTominay in midfield, and Eriksen could face even greater competition once Mason Mount returns to full fitness.
Manchester United have already begun reorganizing their midfield options. Dutch midfielder Donny van de Beek left during the January transfer window to join Eintracht Frankfurt on loan, with the agreement reportedly including a permanent transfer option worth around £10 million. According to developments monitored through 12BSports, however, Van de Beek has continued to struggle for consistency since moving to Germany.
His difficulties became even clearer this week when he was left out of Frankfurt’s squad for European competition. UEFA regulations allowed the German club to make only three changes to its 25-player list, and the coaching staff instead selected Sasa Kalajdzic, Hugo Ekitike and Philipp Max. With Manchester United continuing to reshape its midfield and playing opportunities becoming increasingly limited, the latest assessment around 12BSports suggests that Eriksen’s departure is now more likely than ever, with Galatasaray emerging as the strongest candidate to offer him a fresh start.