Manchester United are reportedly stepping up their pursuit of Galatasaray’s powerhouse defender after a series of outstanding performances in Europe

Manchester United are reportedly stepping up their interest in Galatasaray defender Wilfried Singo, with the Turkish side believed to have placed a €70 million price tag on the Ivory Coast international. Galatasaray are understood to have rejected approaches from Serie A clubs, while Singo is reportedly keen on the possibility of moving to the Premier League.

United’s scouting team has allegedly monitored the 25-year-old extensively over the past 12 months, keeping tabs on his performances in the Turkish Süper Lig as well as European competitions. His ability to operate in several defensive roles is believed to be a major reason why the club considers him an attractive option for its long-term plans.

Born in Ouragahio, Ivory Coast, on December 25, 2000, Singo has developed into one of the more highly rated defenders in European football. The 1.90m-tall player possesses an impressive combination of speed, physical strength and aerial ability, while his versatility allows him to feature as a right-back, centre-back or wing-back.

His development gathered momentum during his time in Italy with Torino, where he made almost 100 appearances between 2020 and 2023. His performances earned recognition for both his defensive work and his ability to contribute going forward. He subsequently moved to AS Monaco, gaining further experience in Ligue 1 and the Champions League before joining Galatasaray in 2025 in a reported €30 million transfer, signing a contract that runs until 2030.

Despite suffering some injury setbacks since arriving in Turkey, Singo has continued to make a strong impression when fit. His pace, physicality, ability to recover quickly and confidence when carrying the ball out from defence have made him an important player for Galatasaray. His displays in European competition have also helped attract interest from clubs in England, while his performances for the Ivory Coast have further strengthened his reputation.

Manchester United are believed to have carried out detailed scouting on the defender, with representatives reportedly attending a number of his domestic and European matches. The club is said to admire his physical attributes, tactical understanding and defensive awareness, while his ability to cover multiple positions could provide valuable depth within the squad.

Galatasaray, however, are in no rush to part ways with Singo. His long-term contract gives the Turkish champions a strong negotiating position, and they are reportedly unwilling to consider a sale unless their €70 million valuation is met. Earlier interest from Italian clubs, including Inter Milan, is believed to have fallen significantly short of the amount required.

Singo’s reported desire to test himself in the Premier League could potentially give Manchester United an advantage. Having already experienced football in Italy, France and Turkey, the defender could see England as the next major challenge in his career. His combination of versatility, athleticism and experience makes him an appealing option for a United side looking to improve its defensive depth and consistency.

Tactically, Singo would offer considerable flexibility. He can operate comfortably within either a back four or back three, possesses the pace to handle one-on-one situations and is strong when competing for aerial balls. He is also capable of driving forward with possession and contributing to attacks from deeper areas, although there remain aspects of his decision-making and final delivery that could still be refined.

Any move for the defender would represent a substantial investment for Manchester United. A fee in the region of €70 million would make the transfer a major defensive expenditure, meaning the club would need to consider the player’s wages, development potential and long-term value before committing to a deal.

Liverpool have reportedly shown interest in Singo as well, potentially creating competition if either club decides to make a formal approach. However, the defender’s reported preference for Premier League football could become an important factor in determining his next destination.

For now, Manchester United are continuing to assess their defensive options, with Singo reportedly among the players under serious consideration. Galatasaray are expected to stand firm on their valuation, meaning United would need to make a substantial offer to open meaningful negotiations.