Long linked with a move to West Ham, Pape Alioune Ndiaye finally helped put an end to the Marouane Fellaini to Galatasaray speculation by signing for the Turkish club.
Joining from Osmanlispor for around €11m, the 26-year-old firmly believes he made the right choice in turning down Slaven Bilic and the Hammers when he spoke to Jour de Sport in Senegal, also revealing he received offers from two other Premier League sides.
He said: “I had offers from England, particularly Everton, West Ham and Newcastle United, but when I received Galatasaray’s offer, I told my agent to go for it. When I came to Osmanlispor two years ago, the goal was to join a big club.
“I think that’s what I’ve done by moving to Galatasaray. I’ve joined the biggest club in Turkey. I’m going to help the team move forward regardless of where I play on the pitch”.
A defensive midfielder by trade, the now former West Ham, Everton and Newcastle United target also explained he’s capable of playing further up the pitch.
Considering Everton are currently trying to bring in Gylfi Sigurdsson from Swansea, it could be that Ndiaye would have played in a more advanced role had he moved to Goodison Park.
As to Newcastle, this represents yet another blow in what has been a rather difficult transfer window for Rafa Benitez, with the Spanish manager admitting he didn’t think it would be this difficult.
Making 42 appearances in all competitions for Osmanlispor last season, Ndiaye scored seven goals and picked up three assists.
