Trabzonspor manager Ersun Yanal has spoken to the Turkish media after his side beat Konyaspor on the opening day of the season.
Yanal was asked about his midfielder Ogenyi Onazi, after it was reported last week the player was signing for Birmingham City.
Yanal left Onazi out of his match-day squad yesterday, and was quizzed about the future of the Nigeria international: “Onazi was on the verge of transfer to England, but there were some issues so the transfer is off at the moment. It’ll be all clear tomorrow. Let’s see what happens. If a move to Birmingham doesn’t materialise, then he’ll start working with us again.”
Last week we covered reports from Turkey that Trabzonspor were set to inform the Turkish stock market about Onazi’s move to Birmingham City. It’s was claimed the 24 year old would cost the Championship side €4.5m.
Birmingham City manager Harry Redknapp is keen to sign the player, and Trabzonspor also need the transfer to be completed so they can they can secure the loan signing of Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Moussa Sissoko.
Trabzonspor signed Onazi from Lazio last season for a reported fee of €3.5m, but the Nigerian wants to leave because of financial issues between him and the Turkish club.
Given the strong claims of Birmingham City agreeing a fee, the possibilities for a deal being held up, and/or cancelled, are the Championship club pulling out or work permit problems.
