Manager George Gardi made a statement to SKY Germany about Galatasaray’s transfers.
“HE WAS CARDING TRANSFER “HE DID NOT WANT TO BE”
“This transfer was extremely important. Getting him on loan, without a loan fee and with Paris Saint-Germain paying the majority of his salary, was an extremely positive situation for the club. I remember the last days of the transfer window: I was at Icardi’s house and he wanted to stay at PSG because it was a short season as the World Cup was approaching. He did not want to be transferred. I stayed at his house for six-seven hours and told him that I would not leave without convincing him. In the end, we managed to convince him and we flew to Istanbul together. This transfer was a visionary move.” I define.”
“120 MILLION FROM EURO “HE REJECTED THE EXTRA SALARY”
“He is a player loved by most fans. In the summer of 2023, he rejected an offer from Saudi Arabia for a net salary of more than 120 million euros for three years because he felt the love of the fans. He chose to stay at the club and is definitely one of the greatest players in the club’s recent history. His future is uncertain. His contract expires at the end of the season and the club will make the right decision for his future. I am sure that whatever decision is taken will be the right one.”
“IN Türkiye TRANSFER “THE MARKET HAS CHANGED”“The quality of players coming in the last one or two summers is at a level that has never been seen before. So yes, the level of the league is rising. The quality of transfers is rising. I hope this development continues like this. Salary is an important factor, but not the only factor. Star players now see Galatasaray as a real option in their careers. Not only because of the money, but also because it is competitive in Europe. You look at the results in the Champions League and it opens the door for these players to come not only at the end of their careers, but at their peak. Now 26, 27, 28-year-old players are coming; “In the past, players over the age of 30 would come. This development is very important. Moreover, the passion and love of the fans is unique in Europe and the world. In addition, the transfer market in Türkiye has changed and young players are transferred for the high fees that other European clubs follow.”
“TO SANE FROM ARABIA THERE WAS A GIANT OFFER”
“This idea emerged long before the transfer window. I knew that this player was needed to take the team to the next level. He was a key player for the squad structure of the new season. I started negotiations many months ago. First with his former managers, then with Pini Zahavi and Max Bielefeld when the management changed. Of course, it was difficult. He had offers from big clubs from England and Germany. He also received a huge offer from Saudi Arabia. It was a big decision for his career as the Club World Cup was approaching.”
SANE TRANSFER “I TOLD YOU WE HAD TO FINISH EARLY”“I talked a lot with the managers and him. I told him that he could be a leading player in Galatasaray. I told him that he would fit perfectly into the system, that he could experience great emotions and satisfaction, and even talked about the possibility of the club achieving things that it has not been able to achieve in Europe so far. I explained to the management and the president that we need to complete this transfer very early; if we delay, the competition will increase and it will be almost impossible. That is why I insisted that the transfer be completed before the Club World Cup. He went on a tour of the USA and the Club World Cup with Bayern and wanted such a player.” “Buying him at the beginning of the transfer window was extremely unusual for both Galatasaray and the Turkish market. Usually, these types of players would arrive towards the winter. Getting such a player so early sent a very strong message to the transfer market.”
“YOUR FANS YOUR LOVE COULD NOT FIND IT ANYWHERE ELSE”“The decisive thing was the role he would play at the club. The team needed a player with his qualities. The meetings with the coach were also very important. It was clearly explained to him what a critical role he would play. And of course, the love of the fans; he could not find this anywhere else at this level. To make the transfer of such iconic players, despite the competition from such big clubs, at the peak of their careers and at the beginning of the transfer window… it was a great success for the club, the president, the deputy president and the coach. We did a great job together. “I hope we will make transfers like this again in the future.”
“THE POTENTIAL REVEALED WILL PUT“There has been a period of adaptation. A process of getting used to the league and the country. But right now his performance is a central factor for the team, especially in the Champions League. And I think we have not seen his full potential yet. In the coming months he will reveal his full potential and raise his level once again, even if it is already very high at the moment.”
“WITH OSIMHEN AT THE AIRPORT WE TALKED FOR 2 HOURS”“I reduced the exit clause from well over 100 million to 75 million. By convincing Victor to extend his contract by one year. So the loan became possible. There were many problems. I remember, we were at the airport. The UEFA list was due to be delivered the next day. There were contractual problems on the Napoli side and Victor was not sure. We talked for two hours at the airport. These two hours were the longest two hours of my career. But I managed to convince him and he came with me. Thousands of fans were waiting for him in Istanbul. He heard about the club. “The respect was huge, that was the key factor. A year later, when the clause was 75 million, the market had completely changed. The money paid to other strikers was much higher.”
“THE WORLD EACH THERE WAS AN OFFER FROM THE PLACE”“We are talking about one of the best center forwards in the world. It was a very good economic decision to buy him for 75 million. This negotiation took months because Victor had to decide where he wanted to play first. There were offers from almost all the big clubs in the world. There were names reflected in the press, but there were many more. He made his decision at the beginning of July. The article was also expiring at the beginning of July, so there was very little time. After the article expired, higher offers came. But Victor was determined and said, ‘I will only play for Gala.’ “This helped us tremendously. The president and vice-president did a great job, paying 75 million to Napoli and signing one of the best forwards in the world in his prime was a historic success for the club.”
“G.SARAY TO THE SUMMIT “Will CARRY”“I see Victor not only as a striker, but as a real leader who will carry the club to its big goals. This transfer is not a short-term move. He will be the captain and locomotive of this team for the next few years, and will ensure that new stars come here. He is very happy in Istanbul, millions of fans have embraced him, he plays great in the Champions League and leads on the field. Victor will stay here for many years and will take Galatasaray to the top. I was not directly involved in the transfer, but the management did an excellent job to get this player. He has a very strong character.” “He is a player with great talent and his experience, especially in European matches, adds great value to the team and is one of the key players who can help the team grow and make a big impact.” he said.
Gardi answered the ‘best’ questions about the transfers of the yellow-red players.
Your biggest deal?Gardi: “Victor Osimhen.”
hardest the one which… your agreement?Gardi: “Mauro Icardi.”
Your smartest deal?Gardi: “Lucas Torreira.”
the best one your agreement ? Gardi: “Davinson Sanchez.”
Including you are The most surprising thing?Gardi: “Leroy Sané.”
toughest the one which… your negotiator?Gardi: “Probably the President of Napoli.”
Your biggest dream?
Guard: “Champions League with Galatasaray to win.”