Earlier on Thursday, Galatasaray announced that they’ve completed the signing of Mario Lemina from Wolverhampton Wanderers for €2.5m. They also said the midfielder will receive €1.25m for the rest of the season and €2.5m per year from next season until the end of his contract.
The midfielder spent the 2019/20 season on loan at Galatasaray and has now returned to Istanbul via a permanent transfer. He made 28 appearances during his first spell for the Turkish champions.
Lemina arrived at Wolves from OGC Nice in January 2023 when Julen Lopetegui was in charge at the club. He continued to feature regularly under Gary O’Neil but lost his place after Vítor Pereira arrived at Molineux in December.
The 31-year-old made one appearance for Wolves under Pereira and hasn’t featured for a month. TRT Sports journalist Erbatur Ergenekon, via FutbolArena, has discussed what sort of a role Lemina is expected to have at Galatasaray.
“He’s a player who is at the top of the stats in passing, pressing, tackling,” he said.
“It can be interpreted as years have passed since he arrived, but there is a Lemina who is improving his performance. He will be a cure for Galatasaray, who sometimes have problems in defence.
“Adding Lemina to Davinson [Sánchez] and [Lucas] Torreira will provide the intensity you are looking for. He is a player who has also played in the back three when necessary. He will make an impact there as a wild card.”
Galatasaray were able to complete Lemina’s signing as the Turkish window is open until February 11th.
