Aston Villa’s £17 million winger Bertrand Traore has confirmed his impending exit from the Premier League club while explaining why he chose Istanbul Basaksehir over a number of other options, speaking to Turk Time.
On Saturday, pictures emerged showing Traore arriving in Istanbul airport. And, in case that wasn’t enough evidence for you, the former Lyon and Chelsea forward then posed for a photograph with an orange and blue Basaksehir scarf in his arms.
Traore had offers from the likes of Besiktas and Galatasaray; The latter offering him a reported £40,000-a-week.
But, after speaking with Basaksehir director Eddie Newton – who Traore knows from his time at Stamford Bridge – there was only one club the 26-year-old wanted to join.
Bertrand Traore out, Ismaila Sarr in at Aston Villa
“As you know, there were many clubs that wanted me. There was a lot of time to think, but I wanted to come to Basaksehir,” Traore explains.
“I talked to people who know the club well. It was a club I knew before. I knew the coach, I knew the players.
“I have known Eddie Newton since he was very young. He told me good things about the club. I also talked to (former Basaksehir striker Emmanuel) Adebayor.”
Traore will join on loan, potentially with an option to buy. Morgan Sanson could join him in Turkey before September’s transfer deadline, while Aston Villa will also listen to offers for Marvelous Nakamba and Frederic Guilbert.
“I want to give my best contribution and I want to help the club this year,” Traore adds. “I played in different positions in many clubs (and) I will try to do my best on the field.”
Traore, it seems, will be replaced at Villa Park by Watford’s Ismaila Sarr.
According to Sky Sports, the Midland giants have beaten Crystal Palace to the Senegal speedster, agreeing a fee in excess of £25 million. Sarr scored a 60-yard wondergoal against Villa’s local rivals West Brom earlier this month.
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