The manager did not mention the Manchester United man by name.
But, amid claims that his side have made an offer for one of Erik ten Hag‘s FA Cup heroes, the coach’s comments will do nothing to quell the speculation suggesting that an Old Trafford exit could be on the cards this summer.
The big question, however, is whether Manchester United will sell. They might have to, of course.
One of many dilemmas facing Ineos during a difficult first summer at the helm, the future of Aaron Wan-Bissaka – as is the case for so many others contracted to the Red Devils – remains shrouded in uncertainty.
Man United triggered the 12-month extension clause in Wan-Bissaka’s deal last season. But with his contract due to expire in the summer of 2025, there are only two options that can be taken if United are to avoid losing their £50 million man on a free transfer later down the line.
Either, they commit themselves to handing Wan-Bissaka a long-term deal. Or, they sell him between now and September 1st.
Manchester United facing Aaron Wan-Bissaka decision
Galatasaray obviously hope that United opt for the latter. According to Turkish publication Fotomac, the Super Lig champions have tested the waters with an opening bid of £8.5 million. An offer Manchester United have reportedly turned down.
Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk poured petrol on the speculation pyre shortly after those reports emerged, confirming that a right-sided full-back is a must after the January departure of Sacha Boey to Bayern Munch.
“Our president has authorised (us to sign) the best,” Buruk tells Sporx. “We will buy the best players we can. We will (sign) very important players. Very important transfers.
“A right-back will be signed very urgently. We are thinking of players who will support the forward line. We have identified very important players, (and) we will make transfers that will make the fans very happy, so everyone can be comfortable.”
Galatasaray and Inter Milan linked so far
Galatasaray are not the only league champions asking a Wan-Bissaka themed question of Man United.
According to Tuttomercatoweb, Serie A holders Inter Milan have held talks with the former Crystal Palace man, who moved to Manchester back in 2019 under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Red Devils will allegedly listen to offers of around £10 million, just £1.5 million more than Galatasaray are reported to have offered. Inter, meanwhile, ara willing to stump up an initial three-year contract worth £50,000-a-week at the San Siro for Wan-Bissaka.
Despite those ongoing links with Bayer Leverkusen speedster Jeremie Frimpong – who scored one and set up another during the Netherlands 4-0 thrashing of Canada on Thursday – obvious successors for Wan-Bissaka are few and far between.
He may lack Frimpong’s speed and attacking intent. But arguably no right-back in Europe is as effective in one-v-one defensive situations and up against elite-level forwards. Wan-Bissaka helped shut down Manchester City’s superstar attack during that FA Cup final triumph a fortnight ago.
And – for all his faults – he remains a very useful asset for a club seeking silverware.
Man United have won both the FA Cup and the FL Cup under Erik ten Hag, and Wan-Bissaka was arguably United’s best defender in both of those Wembley victories.