Australia NewsKewell's Turkish Shocker |
TURKISH club Galatasaray are claiming they have signed Socceroo Harry Kewell on a three year deal.
The former Liverpool star had been available on a free transfer and linked with Serie A side Roma.
But the Turkish giants today had a splash banner on their official website hailing the signing.
The former Leeds United star had been coy regarding the rumours of a move to Italian giants Roma when quizzed on his future last month.
However, Kewell has now decided to head for Turkey after Galatasaray confirmed the signing on the club's official website. They are understood to have offered Kewell a $3 million a year salary.
The winger played against Galatasaray during his Leeds career when he was sent off in the Uefa Cup semi-final second leg in 2000.
Liverpool also met Galatasaray during the group phase of the UEFA Champions League in 2006/07, although Kewell missed both matches due to injury.
He had been tipped for a place in the Olympic squad to be named this morning, but that may now be in jeopardy depending on the demands of the Turkish club.
The culture change required to fit into Turkish life have tested Aussies in the past with Mile Sterjovski and Nick Carle both quitting their Superliga clubs soon after arriving.
Fellow Socceroo Bruce Djite is set to join Kewell in the Turkish competition after signing for Genclerbirligi, and 'keeper Michael Petkovic is the long standing glovesman for Sivasspor.
How Galatasaray broke the news this morning...
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