Super Lig giants Galatasaray are now likely to beat interest from Newcastle United to sign Dries Mertens in a free transfer after offering former Napoli forward a tempting contract.
Dries Mertens tempted by Galatasaray offer amid Newcastle interest
Dries Mertens is tempted to accept a move to Super Lig giants Galatasaray against interest shown by Newcastle United. That’s according to Gianluca Di Marzio, who notes the Belgian is open to heading to Turkey after leaving Napoli as a free agent after his contract expired.
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Cimbom have presented the forward with an interesting package in the hopes of securing his services in a Bosman deal. Boss Okan Buruk has strived to get his signature after taking charge at the Nef Stadyumu in June, as the Istanbul outfit responded to a 13th place finish.
Mertens is seriously considering Galatasaray’s proposal and is leaning to accept the deal. It would see the 35-year-old earn a net wage of €4m-a-season (£65k-a/w), plus bonuses. The terms will also automatically extend in the event of qualification to the Champions League.
Nef Stadyumu chiefs are also willing to offer Mertens a host of additional extras to ensure he signs. Galatasaray will provide the 105-cap international with a home in the city, plus a driver and more, including 30 flights via club sponsor Turkish Airlines to Naples or Brussels.
Dries Mertens to snub Premier League opportunity for Super Lig switch
Mertens would be snubbing an opportunity to play in the Premier League by accepting the Super Lig switch Galatasaray have presented the Napoli hero. Il Mattino noted in July that Newcastle were showing an interest in Mertens, having begun actively exploring his move.
Eddie Howe was keen to consider the conditions needed to sign a striker, who Rafa Benitez once hailed as ‘exemplary’. Mertens has also spent his off-season since leaving Napoli at the end of his contract in June keeping fit ready for the new season while training in Ibiza.
The Azzurri allowed the Belgian dynamo to depart the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in June after nine years in Naples. Napoli’s 2013 arrival from PSV Eindhoven played 397 times for the Serie A outfit, whilst scoring 148 goals and creating a further 90 in all competitions.
Mertens recorded 13 of his strikes and two assists through the 2021/22 campaign, with 11 goals struck in Serie A. He additionally reached 105 caps for Belgium in June, and has 21 international goals and 30 assists for his nation since debuting for the Red Devils in 2011.
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