In a move aimed at jumpstarting his professional career, Manchester United winger Sam Mather has officially departed Old Trafford to join Turkish Süper Lig side Kayserispor.
The 21-year-old, a prominent member of United’s celebrated 2022 FA Youth Cup-winning squad, has already arrived in Türkiye and participated in his first training session with his new teammates. The move marks a definitive step forward for Mather, who saw a similar transfer to the club collapse in the final hours of the summer window.
Deal Details: The “Oyedele Model”
While local outlet Kayseri Anadolu Haber reports that Mather has been allowed to leave on a free transfer, Manchester United have ensured they remain protected financially in the long term. The agreement reportedly includes a 20 per cent sell-on clause, a strategy the club has increasingly used to monetize academy talent.
This approach mirrors the recent success of Maxi Oyedele, where United netted £2 million after his subsequent move from Legia Warsaw to Strasbourg. By removing an upfront fee, United facilitates a smoother path to first-team football for the player while retaining a significant stake in his future market value.
A Career Reset in the Süper Lig
At 21, Mather had reached a crossroads in Manchester. Despite signing a new contract in 2024 and frequently training with the senior squad, a competitive first-team debut remained elusive. His development was hampered by a series of injuries following the 2022 Youth Cup triumph, momentarily stalling the momentum he gained alongside teammates like Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.
Mather brings some senior experience to Kayserispor, having previously spent time on loan in the lower leagues with Rochdale and Tranmere Rovers. However, the move to Türkiye represents a significantly higher level of competition and a chance to leave academy football behind permanently.
Looking Ahead
For Mather, the transition to the Süper Lig offers a high-visibility platform to prove his fitness and technical quality. Kayserispor, meanwhile, gains a technically gifted winger with elite pedigree at a minimal initial cost.
As Mather swaps Carrington for the Kadir Has Stadium, he joins a growing list of young English talents seeking to forge their path in European football rather than waiting for an opening in the crowded Premier League rosters.