Nagatomo wants to stay at Galatasaray

Yuto Nagatomo has expressed his desire to sign permanently for his new club after feeling like he was “reborn” in Istanbul.

Japanese star Yuto Nagatomo has told Galatasaray he wishes to remain at the club after enjoying his time with the club. The 31-year-old moved to Istanbul on a short-term loan deal until the end of the season from Italian giants Inter.

“I want to stay at Galatasaray and serve the club. The manager’s relations with me are very good. I feel like I was reborn here. I’m very happy when I play football. I’ve understood the significance of the club in this short period. The fans, the stadium and Istanbul have made an impression on me. I want the club to pay my transfer fee so I can stay.”, expressed the player.

Nagatomo has been pleased with the team and manager Fatih Terim’s work this season while the club have been impressed with his work ethic and quick adaptation.

Yuto Nagatomo signed for the Lions until the end of the season for €750,000 and was expected to return to Inter however Galatasaray are reported to want to make the transfer permanent.

If they become Turkish Super Lig champions this year, they will have to pay an additional €250,000 to Inter as per the transfer agreement. Nagatomo’s wages are €850,000 but will be bumped up to €1 million per season should he sign permanently.

Inter are rumoured to be asking €2.5 million for the 31-year-old. Both clubs have begun negotiating and an announcement is expected in the near future.