Turkish giants Galatasaray are plotting an ambitious January move for Bayer Leverkusen winger Nathan Tella, as the Süper Lig champions look to strengthen their attacking arsenal for the second half of the season. The Istanbul-based club has identified the Nigerian-born forward as a potential solution to their offensive needs and is exploring a loan arrangement with a purchase option.
According to respected Istanbul journalist Eyüp Yıldız, Galatasaray’s interest in Tella comes as part of a broader strategy to enhance their squad depth for both domestic and European competitions. The Turkish powerhouse is simultaneously pursuing Fluminense’s Colombian star Jhon Arias, having tabled a €9 million bid supplemented with a future sell-on clause, but the Brazilian club’s hesitation has prompted them to consider alternatives.
Tella’s situation at Bayer Leverkusen has been far from ideal since his summer move from Southampton. Despite arriving with high expectations following an impressive loan spell at Burnley during the 2022-23 season, the 24-year-old has found himself on the periphery of Xabi Alonso’s squad. His limited playing time has not only affected his club career but has also cost him his place in the Nigerian national team setup.
The forward’s journey to this point has been marked by both promise and frustration. During his stint with Burnley, Tella demonstrated his considerable potential, becoming a key figure in their successful campaign. However, his transition to the Bundesliga has proven challenging, with opportunities scarce in a high-flying Leverkusen side that currently leads the German top flight.
Galatasaray’s interest could provide Tella with a much-needed platform to revitalize his career. The Turkish club’s participation in the Europa League offers an additional stage for the winger to showcase his talents, while regular playing time could help him regain his spot in the Nigerian national team picture. The potential move aligns with Galatasaray’s ambitions to maintain their domestic dominance while making a significant impact in European competition.
The proposed loan structure with a purchase option represents a pragmatic approach from Galatasaray, allowing them to assess Tella’s adaptation to Turkish football before making a long-term commitment. This strategy has proven successful for the club in the past, helping them secure valuable additions to their squad while managing financial risks effectively.
The timing of this interest is particularly significant as Galatasaray looks to strengthen their squad during the mid-season window. The club’s technical staff believes Tella’s pace, directness, and ability to play across the forward line could add a new dimension to their attack. His potential arrival would provide valuable competition for existing players and give manager Okan Buruk additional tactical flexibility.
For Tella, the prospect of joining one of Turkey’s most storied clubs could represent an ideal opportunity to reset his career trajectory. The intense atmosphere of Turkish football, particularly at a club of Galatasaray’s stature, could provide the perfect environment for him to rediscover his best form. The passionate support of the Galatasaray faithful, combined with the club’s ambitious sporting project, makes this potential move an intriguing proposition for all parties involved.
As the January transfer window approaches, Galatasaray appears determined to secure either Tella or Arias to bolster their squad. The club’s proactive approach in identifying and pursuing targets demonstrates their commitment to maintaining their competitive edge both domestically and in Europe. Whether they can successfully conclude a deal for Tella may depend on Bayer Leverkusen’s willingness to part with the player, even temporarily, and the final structure of any proposed agreement.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Tella will get the opportunity to resurrect his career in Istanbul, as Galatasaray works to finalize their transfer plans for the winter window. For now, the possibility of seeing the talented winger in the yellow and red of Galatasaray remains an intriguing prospect for Turkish football fans.
