The Independent claimed in early July that then Atletico Madrid midfielder Arda Turan was offered a huge contract by Manchester United, but that he turned it down because he was holding out for a move to Chelsea instead. On July 6th, the sensational playmaker went a different direction and signed with Barcelona.
The deal was reportedly worth 34 million Euro. Today, Turan’s agent confirmed that United offered his client a big money deal.
“Last season Manchester United made a bid for Arda but Atletico Madrid did not want him to leave,” Turan’s agent, Ardan Bulut told AMK.
“I was in talks with Barcelona but told nobody about it at the time.”
Arda Turan is an attacking midfielder, and Captain of the Turkish national team. He has not played for Barcelona yet, due to their transfer ban. He can finally make his Barca debut in January. It will be interesting to see how he fits in with the giant Catalan club.
He is known for his ball control, dribbling ability and vision. He is very versatile, so they will find places for him in attack, on the wing, and in a role in which he sets up their superstars to score. Turan is known for being quite the facilitator.
The treble winning juggernaut has superstars in abundance at the forward position. With Neymar, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez up front, there is perhaps no attack in all of football that can match that of Barca.
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and sometimes writes The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. The website is also featured on News Now.
Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes to the Chicago Tribune RedEye. He also appears regularly on numerous television and radio talk shows all across the country. Catch him Tuesdays on KOZN 1620 The Zone.