Report: Super Lig giants eye loan move with option to buy for Nathan Tella

Süper Lig champions Galatasaray SK have reportedly shifted their focus to Bayer Leverkusen winger Nathan Tella as they strategise to bolster their attacking options during the January transfer window, Soccernet.ng reports.

According to Istanbul-based journalist Eyüp Yıldız, the Turkish club is exploring a potential loan deal with an option to buy for the Nigerian-born forward.

This development arises amidst Galatasaray’s ongoing efforts to secure Colombian playmaker Jhon Arias from Fluminense. The club has submitted a €9 million offer, coupled with a share of future transfer revenue, to the Brazilian side. However, with Fluminense yet to respond decisively, Galatasaray appears to be preparing a backup plan with Tella as a key target.

Tella, who impressed with a stellar season on loan at Burnley in 2022-23, joined Bayer Leverkusen after returning to Southampton.

However, the 24-year-old has struggled for consistent playing time under Xabi Alonso, limiting his impact with the 2023-24 Bundesliga champions.

The limited opportunities have affected Tella’s form and have also seen him lose his place in Nigeria’s Super Eagles squad. The winger will be eager for more game time to revitalise his career and reclaim his spot in the national team setup.

Galatasaray’s urgency to finalise either Arias or Tella stems from their ambitions to compete effectively in both domestic competitions and the Europa League. The club hopes to seal one of these deals before the January transfer window closes.

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and an Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a proven track record in conducting interviews with Super Eagles stars such as William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and many others. He has also made a significant impact in breaking transfer news stories.

Grounded in video editing, video journalism, social media management, and content strategy, Ayomide brings a wealth of expertise to his work.

With a Bachelor’s degree in English Language from Adeyemi College of Education and a Master’s Degree in School Library and Media Technology from the University of Ibadan, Ayomide is well-prepared to excel in the field.