The transfer saga surrounding Cenk Özkacar is over. The 25-year-old center back, who had recently attracted interest from FC Schalke 04, has decided to return to his home country.
There had been plenty of speculation recently about Cenk Özkacar’s future. The Turkish center back had been on loan from Valencia CF to 1. FC Köln last season. Despite making an impressive 25 appearances in the Bundesliga, however, the “Geißböcke” did not exercise their buyout option of two million euros, meaning Özkacar was officially back on the market as of July 1.
In Germany, the 1.90-meter-tall center back—who has also played in France (Olympique Lyon) and Belgium (Oud-Heverlee Leuven) during his career—apparently made a lasting impression and sparked interest from three future Bundesliga clubs. In addition to SV Elversberg and SC Paderborn, the defensive stalwart—who made 51 La Liga appearances for Valencia and Real Valladolid—was most recently linked to the third promoted team in the group, FC Schalke 04. The Royal Blues are said to have been aiming for a loan deal with a subsequent purchase option.
Trabzon Pays Two Million Euros Transfer Fee
But now another club has swooped in to block the interested parties: As has since been officially confirmed, Özkacar is returning to his home country and will play for Trabzonspor in the future.
The Turkish first-division club, which finished third in the Süper Lig last season, officially announced the signing of the 1.90-meter-tall center back on Saturday. According to consistent media reports, a transfer fee of around two million euros is being paid.
