Man United will be used as role model for Turkish football giants expanding to China

Besiktas will make history today when they take on Schalke in China.

The Black Eagles will become the first Turkish club to play a match in China.

Besiktas president Fikret Orman held a press-conference today underlining that this is just the first step in building a global brand.

Orman underlined that the club will develop a Chinese fanbase as Manchester United have achieved.

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“I see so many Man United fans in China, they only started in 2000 but look at where they are at today,” Orman said.

“Like Man United did at the turn of the millennium we will also focus our efforts on developing in the Far-East. 

“We plan to have a fanbase in China, the model is clear. We are investing into this project and learning from those who have been successful in targeting this market.

“Most of the clubs coming here already play 50-55 games a season and still make the trip. 

“There can be no more excuses from Turkish clubs, we cannot miss this window of opportunity.”

United have a global fanbase with hundreds of millions of fans worldwide.

The Red Devils claim to have 100 million supporters in China alone.

In 2016 ahead of the China Tour, Manchester United commercial director, Jamie Reigle, said: “We have been proud to underline our continued commitment to China both on and off the football pitch. We enjoy the passionate and loyal support of more than 100 million followers here, making this the country with more Manchester United fans than any other in the world.”

United have embarked on a US Tour this summer where they will play the likes of Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Besiktas and Turkish sides in general have been slow off the pace in building a fanbase abroad.

The Eagles plan to expand into Malaysia and Indonesia after gaining a foothold in China.

The reigning Super Lig champions have a five year plan in China which includes eventually playing the Turkish Super Cup in the country.