Geremi heads back to Turkey to join former Villa and Man City star?
Posted on January 3rd, 2010 | 115 Comments |
Although there’s nothing on our official site, the Ankaragücü website announced earlier this (Sunday) evening that the signing is confirmed although it’s not yet clear whether they’ve paid anything for him. And Geremi will not be available for his new club, until after the African Nations Cup, in Angola this month.
Signed by Sam Allardyce in 2007 and even installed as captain, Geremi’s contract was due to run out in the summer and it will be a surprise if we have managed to persuade the Turkish side to part with any sort of substantial fee. Indeed the very fact that we have cleared down, in the region of £50-£60k-a-week wages will be a blessed relief to the board. And hopefully as a consequence that will kickstart activities, and money can be reinvested more effectively in this January transfer window.
Ludicrous wages and a knackered pair of legs that were shot before he even ventured onto the hallowed St James’ turf, meant Geremi was always on a hiding to nothing. Even if he was making the effort it was hard to tell, given that he made Kevin Nolan look positively mobile. I would have said the same about Nicky Butt, but that’s maybe pushing it. Chelsea knew what they were doing when they got rid, and Mourinho even told Sir Bobby as much. So unfortunately, aside from a few good deliveries (and even they were limited amongst many that hit the first man) and arguably a positive influence around the training ground in the changing rooms, it’s good riddance to good-money-down-the-drain.
Even if there is no transfer fee it saves about £1 million that would have been paid until his contract expired.