Following the stories linking West Bromwich Albion midfielder Okay Yokuslu to a move to Galatasaray this summer, we now get to see this rumour getting clarified in the Turkish media.
Outlet Aksam today features a story recalling that the 29-year-old had been in the Istanbul side’s ‘agenda’, and highlights the quotes from his agent about that potential move.
Batur Altiparmat was interviewed by BeIN Sports, and according to him, there were a few clubs interested in taking Yokuslu from West Brom.
“First of all, let me say that there was no communication with us from Galatasaray. We were called at the beginning of the season and asked about our situation. We said that we wanted to continue our football life in England and we were not interested. Some Turkish clubs also asked about his situation,” said Altiparmat.
“We are determined to continue our football life in England unless there is an extraordinary situation.”
Yokuslu hasn’t played for the Turkish national team since 2021, and his representative also addressed the situation.
“I think Mr Kuntz came in September 2021. At that time, a phone call was made to Okay because Okay did not play continuously at Celta Vigo and was told, ‘You do not play continuously, so we will not call you to this squad, but when you start playing, you always have a place in this squad’. But last year, although he played nearly 40 games, he was not called up. Of course we respect the decision of the technical director. If they call him, he will gladly come and play.”
Signed on a free transfer from Celta de Vigo in the summer of 2022, Yokuslu has 63 appearances for West Brom so far. This season, he was a starter in all of the Baggies’ match in the Championship.
With his agent sounding like the player is very much focusing on staying in England, there should probably be no reason to worry about a move back to Turkey in the upcoming transfer windows.
