Most transfer windows in Europe were slammed shut on September 1. However, teams in Turkey could make moves until Thursday. Juan Mata and Mauro Icardi are just some of the players who moved to Turkey late. Both signed for the Süper Lig club and the Turkish giant Galatasaray.
Mata, now 34, joins the club after spending the last eight and a half seasons at Manchester United. He arrives on a free transfer with a salary in the area of $2 million.
“I feel so good,” said the Spaniard on his move to Galatasaray. “I am excited and highly motivated. I am grateful to be here. Everyone is being very nice. I can’t wait to win with Galatasaray”.
Together with Mata, Galatasaray made the transfer of PSG striker Mauro Icardi. The Argentine striker was previously one of the main targets of clubs across Europe. After a highly successful spell at Inter Milan, he was acquired by PSG in a $55m deal two years ago. Icardi eventually fell down the pecking order with the Parisians, but now he will have a chance to shine in Turkey. In addition, PSG retains part of his contract, which makes him a bargain for Galatasaray.
Paris Saint-Germain confirms the transfer of Mauro Icardi to Galatasaray until June 2023, one year. ???????????? #Galatasaray
PSG will pay more than 60% of the salary this season. pic.twitter.com/yIIgSNhBbJ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 8, 2022
“I got a lot of offers this summer,” Icardi said. “We had long talks with [team vice president] Mr Erden. As a result, I came here. He did everything he could. I am very happy to finally be here.”
Mata and Icardi not alone in the change to Turkey
In addition, Icardi set his sights on European qualification with his new club. “Hopefully we can take this team to the highest level again,” said the striker. “Galatasaray is a team that always aims high. We want to be part of that. The players, the coaching staff, all the fans want to celebrate it by presenting another Champions League night”.
The huge club will be looking to bounce back after finishing a disappointing 13th in the Süper Lig last season. Gala also made other notable signings such as Dries Mertens, Lucas Torreira, Yusuf Demir and Haris Seferovic also in the summer.
Süper Lig teams from all over the country brought in big names from the sport during the transfer period. Mesut Ozil, Michy Batshuayi, Gedson Fernandes, Dele Alli, Bertrand Traore and Nathan Redmond exchanged clubs to play in Turkey.
PHOTO: Imago / Seskim Photo
