Free agent defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah is currently training with Crystal Palace’s Under-21 squad as he searches for a route back into professional football.
The 28-year-old, a former Netherlands international, has been without a club since his contract with German champions Bayer Leverkusen expired last summer. It is understood he is physically in a strong position and using the facilities at his former loan club to rebuild match fitness and rhythm ahead of a potential move.
A Career of Highs and Injury Setbacks
Fosu-Mensah’s career began at Ajax before he moved to Manchester United in 2014. At Old Trafford, he made 30 senior appearances and was part of the squad that won the EFL Cup, FA Cup and Europa League under José Mourinho in 2017. His versatility, allowing him to play across the back four or in midfield, marked him as a promising talent.
Seeking regular first-team football, he joined Crystal Palace on loan for the 2017-18 season, making 21 Premier League appearances. The following season saw another loan, to Fulham, but it was cut short by a serious knee injury that saw him return to Manchester for rehabilitation.
In January 2021, he secured a permanent move away from United, joining Bayer Leverkusen for a reported €1.8 million. His time in Germany was punctuated by further injuries, but he collected a Bundesliga winner’s medal in the 2023-24 season as part of Xabi Alonso’s historic unbeaten double-winning side. However, his contribution that campaign was limited to just eight league appearances. After making 30 appearances in total for Leverkusen over three and a half years, he was released at the end of his contract in June 2024.
On the international stage, Fosu-Mensah earned three caps for the Netherlands between 2017 and 2018, having previously represented his nation at various youth levels.
United Forwards Withdraw From International Duty
In separate news concerning Fosu-Mensah’s former club, two Manchester United forwards have pulled out of international commitments this week.
The club confirmed that Benjamin Sesko has withdrawn from the Slovenia squad due to a muscle issue he has been managing for several weeks. Meanwhile, Bryan Mbeumo will not join up with Cameroon as a precaution after being substituted in the second half of United’s 2-2 draw with Bournemouth last Friday.
Despite these withdrawals, it is expected both players will be available for selection when Manchester United resume their Premier League campaign away at Leeds United on April 13.
