Sercan Yildirim

Sercan Yildirim     21     Striker     Galatasaray

Technically gifted, lively and unselfish second striker who’s scored goals for Turkey at all levels including the full national side. Truly prolific as a junior, Yildirim was frequently linked with a transfer to Manchester United via Turkish media outlets for the best part of three years. With the potential move to Old Trafford failing to materialise, a spring decamping to Locomotiv Moscow progressed as far as the medical stage before doubts relating to a niggling knee injury startled the Russian club into retreat.

Yildirim looked on course to remain at Bursaspor this summer with no immediate suggestion that he was likely to move anywhere else, but a late transfer window swoop from Galatasaray secured his services. The opportunity to fire the goals to assist Bülent Ünder’s repair job at Gala after a disappointing season is an interesting prospect. He now has the stage to demonstrate his talents and certainly looks more than capable of scooping a hatful of goals in the Super Lig but must turn potential into proven talent.

Long term fitness doubts remain following that failed medical and an injury free season is a must if promise is to be fulfilled. Players that find themselves on Manchester United’s radar are worth keeping an eye on but Yildirim has a long way to go to prove worthy of nudging the interests of Europe’s top clubs again.

“Never looked the same since his first year. Disappointing” - @aznat_

D     How is that knee?