Galatasaray-NEOM Zeze Talks Hit a Snag

Galatasaray's search for defensive reinforcement has run into a tougher-than-expected process in their pursuit of Nathan Zeze. According to L'Equipe, the Turkish champions made official contact with NEOM to sign the 21-year-old French centre-back, presenting a loan offer with a purchase option. However, the report states the Saudi club rejected the proposal outright.

NEOM's real demand, according to the report, is not a loan but a straight cash sale, with the club making clear it won't consider any offer below the €20 million fee it paid Nantes last summer. That stance presents an early obstacle to the loan structure Galatasaray had been hoping to use to reduce their financial exposure. Still, the player himself is said to be keen on a return to Europe, and specifically to Galatasaray, which is viewed as an important advantage for the Turkish club.

Zeze, whose contract with NEOM runs until 2030 and who contributed two goals and an assist in 32 appearances last season, has seen Galatasaray's management authorise a Turkish agent to continue negotiations, with talks expected to take place with the player's representatives this week. With his current market value listed at around €20 million, both sides will need to find common ground on the loan fee, the option amount and the payment terms.

Source: L'Equipe
Image: Ouest France