Football
Sam Marsden, Barcelona correspondent 7y

Galatasaray 'working towards' signing Barcelona's Arda Turan

Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek has confirmed the club are working on a deal for Arda Turan with the midfielder's Barcelona career looks to be coming to an end.

Turan, 30, was one of just two outfield players -- the other being Douglas -- not to feature in Monday's 5-0 win against Chapecoense at Camp Nou despite Ernesto Valverde using all 11 substitutes.

Agent Ahemt Bulut has said several times this summer that the former Turkey international is not leaving Barca, but his future at the club looks increasingly uncertain.

Various reports in Turkey have linked him with a return to his homeland, while Sport suggests the player has even offered himself to Atletico Madrid, who he joined Barca from in 2015.

"Arda Turan is a true Galatasaray fan," Ozbek told Hurriyet. "He is a player I love. As a player, he has always represented us well and been an ambassador for the club. He's a true son of Galatasaray.

"Our biggest desire is for Arda to return to Galatasaray and end his career where it all started for him. We are working towards making this a reality."

During his time with Barcelona, Turan has been linked with moves to China, England and Italy, but it's Galatasaray who have now emerged as the favourites to offer him the chance to revive his career.

According to reports, the Turkish club will offer Barca €2.5 million for an initial one-year loan and hand Turan an annual salary worth around €4m.

Turan began his professional career with Galatasaray 12 years ago before moving to Atletico for an initial fee of €12m in 2011.

He joined Barca four years later for €34m but has struggled to make an impression in Catalonia and has never held down a regular first team place.

^ Back to Top ^