Attila Szalai has indicated he plans to stay at Fenerbahce despite links with Premier League clubs Aston Villa, Leicester City and West Ham United, as reported by Sporx.
Two months ago, there appeared to be no shortage of interest in a man who would go on to shine at Euro 2020 as unfancied Hungary made a mockery of their ‘whipping boys’ moniker, taking points off Germany and France while striking fear into Portuguese hearts.
Szalai, according to reports, is on the radar of West Ham, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Leicester.
Since then, Aston Villa have brought fans’ favourite Axel Tuanzebe back to Bodymoor Heath while Leicester invested £15 million in Southampton giant Jannik Vestergaard.
Szalai’s £18 million price tag looks a bit rich for cash-strapped Newcastle too.
And while West Ham are still in the market for a central defender, it appears David Moyes and co are looking elsewhere.
Euro 2020 star Attila Szalai looks unlikely to join Aston Villa or West Ham
Unfortunately for those interested English clubs, Szalai seems to be happy in the Turkish capital.
He only joined Fenerbahce from Cypriot football seven months ago and, because of the pesky pandemic, has been denied a chance to showcase his superb reading of the game and excellent passing range in front of one of Europe’s most passionate fanbases.
“I do everything I can for Fenerbahce, every single day. We are aware of the support of the fans. Thank you. We are very happy for their support,” says Szalai.
“I am very impatient (to see the fans return).
“Our goals are clear. Our goal is the same every season – to be as successful as possible and to win trophies.
“We have been away from the fans for a long time. I’m lucky, I played in front of fully packed stands for Hungary at Euro 2020 in the summer. I can’t wait to see the atmosphere (at Fenerbahce).”
For now, however, a big-money move to the Premier League can wait.
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