Turkish pundit İbrahim Seten has revealed details surrounding the summer transfer of Lesley Ugochukwu to Galatasaray, claiming manager Okan Buruk was not entirely convinced about the move.
Ugochukwu joined the Turkish Super Lig champions on a season-long loan during the summer transfer window following an impressive campaign with English club Burnley last season.
Despite Burnley suffering relegation to the Championship, the young midfielder enjoyed a decent individual campaign, scoring two goals and providing three assists in 35 Premier League appearances.
However, Ugochukwu has struggled to replicate that form since moving to Istanbul, with the midfielder yet to start a game for Galatasaray since the beginning of the new campaign.
Speaking on the 343 Digital YouTube channel, Seten claimed that Ugochukwu was not among Buruk's priorities during the transfer window, as the Galatasaray manager preferred to keep Gabon international Mario Lemina at the club.
"The management requested Lemina's contract. Only Leao was requested by Okan Buruk. Ugochukwu wasn't a priority either. So, except for Leao, the coach didn't give 100% approval to any of the other transfers," Seten said, via habersarikirmizi.
Galatasaray eventually opted to bring in the young midfielder following prolonged contract negotiations with the former Southampton midfielder during the summer transfer window.
Ugochukwu will now be hoping to make an impression and earn Buruk's trust when domestic action resumes following the international break.
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