Ex-manchester United-younger Timothy Fosu-Mensah remains confident to find a club despite the last game in April 2023 in Bayer Leverkusen and 12 months free agent
It is no surprise to hear that football players have been shopped to clubs. It may not even be a surprise to know that it will happen without their knowledge.
But those parties that players don't even know try to speak clubs on behalf of them, indicates that opportunism is sometimes present on the transfer market. Former Manchester United-younger Timothy Fosu-Mensah has learned so much in his year without a club.
The 27-year-old, who made his name for the first time with the Red Devils under Louis van Gaal, played for the last time for Bayer Leverkusen in April 2023 before he left the club the following year because they had not appeared in their title-winning season under Xabi Alonso. And following that Fosu-Mensah has spent 12 months as a free agent and learned about a new aspect of the football world.
The defender experienced many difficulties in his career. The Dutchman was struck by management changes – Van Gaal was replaced by Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford who spoke about 'Great Potential' and promised 'many chances' before offering only one Premier League start in a season – a loan chance at the end of a horrible cross -lamon injury and most recently found the door.
And as a result of the latter battle, Fosuh-Mensah has found the subject of agent conversations, even though he never comes into contact with the representatives themselves. It is a situation that he has considered a 'mess'
“There were a few situations with agents here and there, which was a bit of a mess,” he said. “People spoke to my name with whom I never even had contact.
“I would say that 80 percent of the agents who approached clubs and people I didn't even know, with whom I didn't even have contact. I think that was a big mess.”
That period included conversations with championship clubs. “Some of them I knew, some of them I was not,” added Fosu-Mensah.
The defender, who saw spells on loan with Crystal Palace and Fulham during the United, has spent the past months with Boyhood Ajax to guarantee fitness. And despite his experiences, he is convinced that he will find a new team to represent.
“Last season was the first time in my career I spent without a team,” said Fosu-Mensah. “At this age it is quite early and I find it very strange for people.
“I know I have worked hard and hard work will not go unnoticed. That is what I believe.
“If you stay at home, you do nothing and then you think 'Boom, OK, I will go to this club or club', no, that's not how it works, that's not my mentality. It is definitely a new start and I worked hard.”