Fenerbahce, graveyard of former Manchester United players? Just days after securing the signature of Nani, Turkish SuperLig giants Fenerbahce are reportedly on the verge of signing Dutch striker Robin Van Persie from the Old Trafford side.
According to a report from Gianluca Di Marzio of Sky Italia, Fenerbahce are negiotiating with Van Persie.
Tough last season at United
The striker moved to United from Arsenal before the start of the 2012/13 season, and was one of the finest signings of Sir Alex Ferguson's tenure. He scored 30 goals in all competitions that season, and won the Barclays Premier League Golden Boot award with 26 goals while leading United to the Premier League title. It was a continuation of Van Persie's stellar form at Arsenal, where he scored 30 goals without missing a Premier League match during the 2011/12 season.
However, since then Van Persie has struggled. After playing in all 38 Premier League matches in 2012/13, he played in only 48 league matches over the last two seasons and saw his goal production fall off, scoring 22 goals. While that is undoubtedly a fine goal return, it is far below the pace he scored at earlier in his career, and rumors began to swirl that he may leave United before long.
Rumors swirl, appear to be truthful
After former Netherlands manager Louis Van Gaal was appointed as the manager at United, many expected that Van Persie would be named captain. Instead, the armband went to Wayne Rooney and Van Persie failed to establish himself as a regular starter. Rumors began to swirl that he would be looking to move on, and now, according to Di Marzio, Fenerbahce Sporting Director Giuliano Terraneo is "traveling to London to negotiate with Manchester United". Additionally, within the Fenerbahce hierarchy, "there is optimism he can get a deal done".