"Turkey Is Becoming the New Saudi Arabia"—Spaniards Are Stunned by the Transfers: They Revealed the Most Surprising Transfer

Following Victor Osimhen, the fact that Dusan Vlahovic, Romelu Lukaku, and Mohamed Salah also chose to move to Turkey has caught the attention of the international soccer community. Sport, one of Spain’s highest-circulation newspapers, published an article titled “Turkey Is Becoming the New Saudi Arabia.” Here are some excerpts from that article:

'ALARM BELLS ARE RINGING'

"Saudi Arabia made a huge splash after the 2022 World Cup ended when Al-Nassr announced the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo. Since then, major players such as Neymar, Benzema, Mahrez, Firmino, and Kessié have also joined the Saudi Arabian adventure. As Saudi clubs have also begun signing young players like Gabri Veiga, alarm bells have started ringing in European soccer."

"However, Saudi Arabia now faces a formidable rival in the transfer market: Turkey. Turkish clubs have begun adding players to their rosters who were previously being pursued by major teams in Europe and Saudi Arabia."

'TURKISH SOCCER HAS EXPLODED'

"The Super Lig has been home to major names in European soccer for many years. However, following Galatasaray’s payment of 75 million euros for Victor Osimhen last summer, the number of major transfers has increased significantly. This summer, Turkish soccer has truly exploded. The Super League is beginning to move away from being a league chosen only by stars in the twilight of their careers."

"Historically, Istanbul’s three major clubs have dominated the Super League. Following these teams, Turkey’s fourth-most successful club is Trabzonspor. The Blue-and-Whites have won the league title a total of seven times, most recently in 2022."

'THE MOST SURPRISING TRANSFER: VLAHOVIC'

"Since then, Trabzonspor has failed to reach the level it aspired to in the title race. However, this season it made a major move: it signed Mohamed Salah. Salah, who was also sought after by Saudi Arabian clubs, chose to remain in Europe and joined the Trabzon-based club on a free transfer. It is reported that the star player has signed a contract through 2028."

"One of the most surprising transfers was Dusan Vlahovic’s move to Beşiktaş. The Serbian striker, who did not renew his contract with Juventus, had become a free agent. Vlahovic’s name had also been linked to major clubs such as Barcelona and Atlético Madrid."

"Galatasaray, meanwhile, is relying on the squad that won the Super Lig title last season. The Yellow-and-Reds’ biggest hope is that Victor Osimhen will continue to be the team’s star player."