Salah, Osimhen and Lukaku? Former Fenerbahce player: I can't believe what is happening in Turkey!
"I am eagerly looking forward to playing against Trabzonspor"
Slovakia's Filip Novak, who previously played for Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce, has commented on the major transfers that have recently taken place in the Turkish Super Lig.
Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio sat down with the 36-year-old left-back, who marvelled at the calibre of names now flocking to the Turkish league as he reflected on its latest "global" arrivals.
Mohamed Salah and Fabinho moved to Trabzonspor this summer. Romelu Lukaku joined Fenerbahce, Leao signed for Galatasaray, and Vlahovic and Trossard both landed at Besiktas.
This is the next star heading to the Turkish league
Novak, who could not believe it, said: "I don't understand what is happening. I don't know why such a large number of stars are coming to Turkey, but I think it is ideal for the Turkish league. All the matches are completely sold out there, and the fans are fanatical."
The Slovak Jablonec player, who plays in the fifth division, continued: "Richarlison may be the next star. There are discussions about his move to Trabzonspor. There are many outstanding players! I am extremely happy and I am eagerly looking forward to playing against Trabzonspor."
He explained: "I am one of the biggest fans of Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce, so I wish them all the best."
Novak went on: "In the past, Turkey was mostly a preferred destination for older players, but now we are also seeing players in their twenties. In my time, Istanbul was generally preferred by veteran players. But when you sign a young player, other young players see his move there, and they follow his example."
He added: "Now, even younger players are joining, and this is a positive thing for the Turkish Super League. Galatasaray and Fenerbahce have also qualified for the Champions League, which is a positive situation for them too."
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Osimhen, the turning point!
He stressed: "Osimhen changed the transfer market, and his move to Galatasaray was a turning point. The Nigerian player opened the door for other players who came to Turkey after him. Leao, at 27, and Vlahovic, at 26, joined the Turkish league."
He continued: "Yes, I think so completely. Osimhen was the first great young player to go there. He was one of the best strikers in the world, and he still is. I don't know who is the best, and I don't follow transfer news closely, I only follow the transfer market."
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Novak voiced his astonishment at the flurry of deals involving famous names flocking to the Turkish league. "Things are starting to get out of control," he said. "I check Twitter (X) daily, and I see who will join the team, and they are all big names."
"Greenwood is an excellent player, I watched him in France," he concluded. "He scores a lot of goals and he is a top-class player. He is one of the big names too," according to the Turkish newspaper Hurriyet.
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