Süper Lig champions Galatasaray SK have reportedly shifted their focus to Bayer Leverkusen winger Nathan Tella as they strategise to bolster their attacking options during the January transfer window, Soccernet.ng reports.
According to Istanbul-based journalist Eyüp Yıldız, the Turkish club is exploring a potential loan deal with an option to buy for the Nigerian-born forward.
This development arises amidst Galatasaray’s ongoing efforts to secure Colombian playmaker Jhon Arias from Fluminense. The club has submitted a €9 million offer, coupled with a share of future transfer revenue, to the Brazilian side. However, with Fluminense yet to respond decisively, Galatasaray appears to be preparing a backup plan with Tella as a key target.
Tella, who impressed with a stellar season on loan at Burnley in 2022-23, joined Bayer Leverkusen after returning to Southampton.
However, the 24-year-old has struggled for consistent playing time under Xabi Alonso, limiting his impact with the 2023-24 Bundesliga champions.
The limited opportunities have affected Tella’s form and have also seen him lose his place in Nigeria’s Super Eagles squad. The winger will be eager for more game time to revitalise his career and reclaim his spot in the national team setup.
Galatasaray’s urgency to finalise either Arias or Tella stems from their ambitions to compete effectively in both domestic competitions and the Europa League. The club hopes to seal one of these deals before the January transfer window closes.