Tobias Sylvester
Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa has completed his deal to join Turkish Lig 1 side, Fatih Karagumruk, on a two-year deal with an option to extend the deal for another year.
KanyiDaily had reported how Musa ended his deal with Saudi club Al Nassr in October 2020, and opted for a brief spell at Nigeria Professional Football League side, Kano Pillars.
We learnt that Fatih Karagumruk agreed personal terms with the 28-year-old Nigerian striker who was unveiled by Turkish club on Thursday, July 22, 2021.
Although the financial details of the deal were undisclosed by both club and player, Sports Extra learnt Musa will earn about $2.5m (N1.02bn) annually with a weekly pay of $40,000, with bonuses.
It was also gathered that there were financial incentives for Musa if the club qualified for European competitions, and if he ended up as their highest scorer at the end of the season.
Why Ahmed Musa Joined Fatih Karagumruk
Speaking in an interview with BBC, Musa said he joined the Turkish club because he was very impressed with the team’s philosophy, style of play and its ambition as a club.
“I was very impressed with the team’s philosophy, style of play and it’s clearly an ambitious club. I feel wanted and that’s what made all the difference.
“I want to repay that faith. I can’t wait to link up with my teammates and help the club achieve their ambitions,” Musa told BBC Sport Africa.
Ahmed Musa To Win Games For Karagumruk
A close friend of Musa told Sports Extra that the club wanted Musa because of his wealth of experience, having played at the World Cup and the UEFA Champions League.
“It’s a good deal no doubt, the club wanted Musa because of his wealth of experience, having played at the World Cup and the UEFA Champions League. Since they were promoted to the topflight two seasons ago, their major aim is to remain in the Turkish topflight and also win games against the big sides like Galatasary, Fenerbahce and Trabzonspor.
“They believe Musa can help them achieve their goals. That’s why they signed him for $2.5m annual salary, besides bonuses and allowances,” a close friend of Musa told Sports Extra.
Fatih Karagumruk Announces Arrival Of Ahmed Musa
In a post shared on its Instagram page on Thursday, Karagumruk announced the signing of the Nigeria captain on a free transfer to boost the club’s push in the Turkish top-flight in this campaign.
“Ahmed Musa and Karagumruk, we added a 28-year-old Nigerian attacker to our squad,” the club wrote on Instagram.
“He played for clubs such as VVV Venlo, CSKA Moscow and Leicester City in his career. He scored 15 goals in 87 matches for the Nigerian national team.
“We wish success to Ahmed Musa under the Karagumruk jersey, signed by our Vice President Serkan Hurma and our Sporting Director Murat Akin.”
Ahmed Musa’s new club are based in the Turkish capital, Istanbul, and finished eighth in the Super Lig last season.
This comes three months after Ahmed Musa rejoined Kano Pillars FC more than 11 years after he left the club and the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
