Sam Mather has confirmed he is leaving Manchester United after 14 years at Manchester United, with the academy winger set to join Turkish side Kayserispor to start his career.
Sam Mather has confirmed he is leaving Man United for the first time in 14 years. (Image: Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manchester United winger Sam Mather has bid adieu to join Kayserispor, who were struggling in the Turkish Super Lig. The 21-year-old has ended 14 years at Old Trafford, sharing a heartfelt message on social media and prompting an outpouring of support from his team-mates.
According to a report in the Manchester Evening News last week, the winger is set to join the Turkish team for an undisclosed fee. The English talent is set to try his hand overseas just months after his summer move to Kayserispor fell through at the last minute.
Mather never made any first-team appearances for United, but enjoyed loan spells at Rochdale and Tranmere Rovers, and was part of the team that won the FA Youth Cup in 2022.
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Mather took to Instagram to share a series of touching photos documenting his journey with the club. That included signing a contract and representing United on the pitch.
“As my 14-year journey with @manutd comes to an end, I would like to thank all the staff and players who have helped me grow as the person and player I am today,” he wrote in the post.
“I will always be grateful for my time here and wish the club all the best.
“On a personal note, it’s time for me to move on and I can’t wait to get started!”
With 18 months remaining on his contract, the 21-year-old has opted to leave his boyhood club in search of new opportunities and pursue regular first-team football elsewhere.
Despite missing out on a move last summer, Mather has been involved in first-team training at Carrington this season and has played six academy games to maintain match fitness.
Fellow academy graduate Shea Lacey, who recently made his first-team debut, was also one to wish the winger well. “I wish my brother all the best,” the 18-year-old wrote.
Chido Obi-Martin, Toby Collier, Harry Amas and former academy graduate Shola Shoretire were among those who sent their well wishes.
Sam Mather training with Manchester United’s first team (Image: Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Ahead of the January transfer window, it was reported that there was interest in Mather from clubs in Turkey, Germany, and Greece, as well as an American Major League Soccer team.
As part of the move to Türkiye, a fee and buy-back clause have been agreed and included in the contract.
Kayserispor, who are currently 16th in the Turkish Super Lig and in the relegation zone due to goal difference, will be Mother’s new home. One of his first games could be against Turkish giants Besiktas next Monday.
Although Mather will be one of the few foreign players in the team, he will not be the only British player in the region. Former Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham is in charge of the Besiktas squad, while Dan Adjei and Archie Brown play for Kocalyspor and Fenerbahce respectively.
