Ex Super Eagles Ace Etebo Reveals He Was Close to Joining Galatasaray

Former Super Eagles midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo has disclosed that he was close to signing for Besiktas before ultimately joining their Turkish rivals Galatasaray. Etebo played for Galatasaray on loan from Stoke City during the 2020/2021 season, where he made 29 appearances.

Etebo expressed his surprise at how quickly the decision changed, but he eventually completed his loan move to Galatasaray, where he had a significant stint.

Editorial

Oghenekaro Etebo’s revelation about his near move to Besiktas offers an intriguing glimpse into the unpredictability of football transfers. It’s a reminder of how quickly deals can shift, influenced by various factors beyond a player’s control. From our perspective, this speaks to the challenges players face in navigating transfer windows and the importance of flexibility in such high stakes decisions.

Etebo revealed that Besiktas had initially made an offer, which he was ready to accept. However, the situation changed quickly. He explained, When my agent called, the first team he mentioned was Beşiktaş, and I agreed to the offer. But the very next day, my agent told me that the deal with Besiktas fell through, and instead, I would be going to Galatasaray.

For Etebo, moving to Galatasaray instead of Besiktas was a significant turning point in his career, as it allowed him to gain valuable experience in one of Turkey’s top clubs. The midfielder’s story highlights how one decision or deal falling through can lead to unexpected but fruitful opportunities elsewhere.

Did You Know?

1. Oghenekaro Etebo was loaned to Galatasaray from Stoke City in the 2020/2021 season, making 29 appearances for the Turkish giants.
2. Etebo played a key role in Nigeria’s national team, the Super Eagles, notably in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and several Africa Cup of Nations AFCON tournaments.
3. Besiktas and Galatasaray are two of the most successful and popular football clubs in Turkey, with a fierce rivalry between them.
4. Etebo’s career has seen him play across different leagues, including in Spain Las Palmas, England Stoke City, and Greece Aris Thessaloniki.
5. Football transfer deals can change quickly, often influenced by complex negotiations between clubs, agents, and other external factors, as seen in Etebo’s case with Besiktas and Galatasaray.