News

Ex-Man City man Mario Balotelli wants Super Eagles star to move to Turkey – report

The Italian forward has been one of the major stars of the Turkish top flight and a respected voice at Adana Demirspor

Adana Demirspor are banking on the influence of former Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli to beat other competitors to the signing of Nigeria international winger Henry Onyekuru.

Only just promoted to the Super Lig last year, Adana Demirspor have shown their ambitions by attracting notable talents to their humble ground, including Italian manager Vincenzo Montella, ex-Chelsea star Loic Remy, and former Liverpool and AC Milan man Balotelli.

Nigerian winger David Akintola, 26, also arrived from FC Midtjylland for €1 million and has two goals in 24 games.

The celebrated signings have powered Adana Demirspor’s success in their first season back to the elite division, with the Blue Lightnings finding themselves in the top five with three matches left to play.

Balotelli has been the main man, contributing 16 goals (12 goals and four assists) in 28 appearances.

Still, Adana Demirspor want more success and have started drawing out their plans ahead of the transfer season.

One player top on their shopping list is Super Eagles forward Henry Onyekuru, who is enduring a difficult first season in Greece with Olympiacos.

Onyekuru remains a major attraction for clubs in Turkey because of three previous excellent spells with Galatasaray.

Istanbul giants Fenerbahce and Besiktas have already been linked with the former Monaco ace, while champions-elect Trabzonspor are eyeing him as a possible replacement for compatriot Anthony Nwakaeme.

Adana Demirspor are aware they would need more than just financial muscles to beat Fenerbahce and Trabzonspor to the signing of Onyekuru.

And they have reportedly charged Balotelli with the task of convincing the Nigerian to move to the New Adana Stadium instead of their more illustrious rivals.

And according to a section of the Greek media (via Cumhuriyet), Balotelli has called Onyekuru and has secured the winger’s word to join Demirspor in the summer.

Onyekuru, 24, has a contract with Olympiacos until June 2025.

This post was last modified on April 30, 2022 9:43 am

Imhons Erons

Share
Published by
Imhons Erons

Recent Posts

Galatasaray hit with Victor Osimhen blow as Okan Buruk laments missed chances against Ajax

Nigeria international Victor Osimhen will miss Galatasaray’s first playoff game in the UEFA Europa League… Read More

25 minutes ago

Placeholders? Saudi clubs’ Deja vu tricks with Boniface and Osimhen

Saudi Arabian clubs appear to be repeating a familiar pattern in their pursuit of Nigerian… Read More

1 hour ago

Ajax vs Galatasaray: Victor Osimhen scores again, but toothless Lions lose record in Amsterdam

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen was on target for Galatasaray, but his goal was not… Read More

7 hours ago

Super Eagles call-up? Nathan Tella breaks silence on Chelle’s selection

Super Eagles winger Nathan Tella has expressed his desire to return to the Nigerian national… Read More

13 hours ago

Can Akpom save Van Nistelrooy’s job? Leicester close in on Super Eagles-eligible striker

Leicester City are edging closer to securing the signing of Super Eagles-eligible striker Chuba Akpom… Read More

15 hours ago

Napoli reject first official bid for Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen amid Arsenal and Man United link

Napoli have turned down an initial €65 million bid from Galatasaray for Victor Osimhen, with… Read More

17 hours ago