Contrasting Fortunes For Onyekuru, Etebo As Galatasaray Make Transfer Decisions

The two Nigerian internationals have been part of a Galatasaray side challenging for the Turkish league title this term, but they are likely not going to be teammates by the start of next season

Galatasaray are keen on sealing a permanent move for on-loan Monaco forward Henry Onyekuru when his temporary six-months deal expires in the summer, according to a report by Turkish online Publications, Fotomac.

But the Turkish giants have decided against taking up the option-to-buy present in their contract with on-loan Stoke City midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo.

Etebo completed his switch to Galatasaray on September 9 after inking contractual papers that tied him to the Yellow Reds until the end of June. The club have the option to purchase him outrightly for 7.5 million euros.

The former Feirense central midfielder has since featured in 20 matches – 15 in the league, three in the Turkish Cup, and two during the Europa League qualifying series – but he has seemingly failed to impress manager Fatih Terim.

Terim is a big fan of Henry Onyekuru, though, and the head coach played a crucial role in getting Galatasaray to sign the Super Eagles forward for a third time in January, despite struggling in the first half of the season in France.

Onyekuru has repaid part of the manager’s faith in him, scoring three goals and providing two assists in his first five games for Galatasaray while helping the Lions surge to the top of the Super Lig.

The 23-year-old has done enough to merit a new contract, and the Turkish giants have reportedly concluded plans to offer him a permanent deal when his current one expires at the end of the season.