Robin van Persie looks to be on the verge of leaving Manchester United, having reportedly agreed personal terms with Fenerbahce.
The Holland international joined the Reds in the summer of 2012 in a controversial £20million move from Arsenal, and immediately helped his new club win the league title for a record-extending 20th time. But when Sir Alex Ferguson announced his retirement the following summer, it is said to have hit van Persie harder than anyone, and he has struggled to regain his best form.
Far from the 26 league goals in his ever-present debut season, he only scored 12 in 21 under David Moyes in 2013/14. The arrival of compatriot and national coach Louis van Gaal last summer was widely expected to spark van Persie back to his best, but he once more struggled to find his rhythm last term when he managed to find the back of net just 10 times in 27 outings.
It has long been thought that, as he enters the final 12 months of his contract at Old Trafford, he could be on his way out before the new campaign begins. And it has now been widely reported that the 31-year-old has agreed personal terms on a move to Fenerbahce, where his agent Kees Vos has spent the past two days, and now the two clubs will negotiate a transfer fee for the deal.
If van Persie completes the move, he would likely line up alongside his United pal Nani next season. The Portugal international has long been out of favour in Manchester, and spent last term on loan at Sporting Lisbon. He has already agreed personal terms with Fenerbahce, and will complete a £5million switch to the Istanbul side upon passing his medical examination this weekend.
Both players are still capable of being match-winners on their day, yet for one reason or another, have lost their way somewhat in recent times. But they could even be given an early chance to make United wish they never even considered selling them, should the Premier League giants be paired with the Super Lig club in the UEFA Champions League qualifying round next month.
