Who is Edon Zhegrova? Get to know Man Utd’s latest deadline day target, Leny Yoro’s former teammate

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Edon Zhegrova has become the latest player linked with a move to Manchester United on transfer deadline day but who exactly is he?

Manchester United’s transfer deadline day has been an exciting yet tense affair, with plenty of swirling rumours but no confirmed moves as of yet.

Manuel Ugarte has not been signed in time to be involved against Liverpool on Sunday but his transfer from PSG is still expected to go through.

As is Scott McTominay’s £25m transfer to Napoli, with the midfielder making way so the more defensive-minded Ugarte can be recruited.

Jadon Sancho is also heading for the exit door with a move to Chelsea edging closer while Carney Chukwuemeka has been linked with a surprising move in the opposite direction.

Raheem Sterling now looks more likely to head to Arsenal, though, which has seen United linked with another winger in the form of Lille’s Edon Zhegrova.

United have already done business with the French side once this summer after signing Leny Yoro and could they do so again before the window shuts at 11 pm?

Here’s everything you need to know about Zhegrova just in case they do.

• READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25

How old is Edon Zhegrova?

Edon Lulzim Zhegrova was born on March 31, 1999, in Herford, Germany, to Kosovo Albian parents. He represents Kosovo internationally.

As of August 2024, he is 25 years old.

Twitter/X and Instagram accounts

Zhegrova has an official Instagram account with 245k followers @elonzhegrova10. He often shares photos of him in action on the pitch and occasionally from his personal life.

He does not appear to have an official X, formerly Twitter, account.

Edon Zhegrova to Man Utd transfer rumours

Alfredo Pedulla reports that United have ‘sounded out’ Zhegrova as a potential replacement for Sancho.

It’s added that Atalanta and Fulham have also shown interest and that any possible transfer will depend on Lille’s asking price.

However, Fabrizio Romano has poured cold water on the speculation by reporting Lille will not allow him to leave on deadline day.

Where does Edon Zhegrova play?

Zhegrova is a left-footed wide forward who predominantly plays on the right side of the pitch as an inverted winger.

However, he is versatile enough to play on the left and has even played up front on one occasion for Lille, scoring a goal while doing so.

How good is Zhegrova?

Zhegrova is coming off the back of a particularly bright 2023/24 campaign in which he scored 12 goals and set up another 10 in 47 appearances for Lille.

His attacking contributions on the right helped the Ligue 1 club get back in the Champions League. He earned the Player of the Month award for March.

The 25-year-old hasn’t played in the league yet so far this season due to a red card he picked up in the 98th minute of the final game last term.

However, his fine form has continued regardless in the Champions League qualifiers with three goals in four games as Lille overcame Fenerbahce and Slavia Prague to make it to the tournament proper.

Zhegrova admitted earlier in 2024 that he wanted to ‘leave for a bigger club’ but Lille president Olivier Letang was quick to tell him he needs to find more consistency first.

“Edon jumped the gun when he spoke because we hadn’t talked about it” Letang said, via getfootballnewsfrance.

“But since then, a very clear position has been given. He’s a talented player with an interesting season, but to go to a big club, you need consistency.

“Don’t forget that LOSC are a great club, we were champions. Leaving LOSC? To go where? To do what?” 

However, Lille boss Bruno Fenesio was full of praise for him after his display against Sparta Prague this week.

“I really liked Edon’s performance. Of course, because he scored and it is always important for a striker to be decisive but, above all, I believe that his commitment was rewarded,” he said.

“He gave his contribution in the attack phase as well as the defense. These are the two positions he worked on full time at my request. I congratulated him for his commitment at the end of the match.

“His commitment was rewarded with a brilliant goal. He played a very complete match.”

Leny Yoro and Edon Zhegrova

If there’s one person who can convince Zhegrova to make the switch to Old Trafford then it’s his former teammate Yoro.

The pair played alongside each other regularly last season and are seemingly good friends.

In fact, they even appeared in a music video for British rapper M Huncho together. Perhaps they will want to reunite in Manchester.

Zhegrova stats

Trophies and honours

Genk trophies

• x1 Belgian League – 2018/19

Basel trophies

• x1 Swiss Cup – 2018/29

Individual honours

• UNFP Ligue 1 Player of the Month – March 2024