Kolo Touré Set to Leave Liverpool for Turkey
Liverpool defender Kolo Touré is poised to leave the club, with multiple Turkish media outlets reporting his imminent move to Trabzonspor. The 33-year-old Ivorian, who saw limited game time last season, faces fierce competition following the arrival of Croatian defender Dejan Lovren from Southampton, leaving little prospect for regular first-team football at Anfield.
Touré’s future now appears set in Turkey, where Trabzonspor, under the management of Vahid Halilhodzic, is eager to secure his signature. Hurriyet, a prominent Turkish newspaper, quoted the club’s president confirming the agreement: “We agree with him, he will come.”
This potential transfer marks another chapter in Touré’s varied career. Since turning professional, he has played in three top-flight leagues across Europe. After starting out in Belgium, the defender rose to prominence in the English Premier League, notably with Arsenal and later Liverpool. Should the move to Trabzonspor be completed, it would be his first foray into Turkish football.
Touré, who joined Liverpool just a year ago, had hoped to establish himself as a key part of Brendan Rodgers’ squad. However, limited appearances and the signing of Lovren have curtailed his opportunities. With the 2014-15 season approaching, finding regular playing time is a priority for the Ivorian international.
In addition to interest from Turkey, Touré’s name has also been linked with potential moves to leagues outside Europe, including Qatar. But with the confirmation from Trabzonspor’s president, the Turkish Süper Lig seems the most likely destination.
At 33, Touré brings a wealth of experience, including multiple Premier League titles and international caps with Ivory Coast. His physical presence and leadership qualities are expected to be valuable assets for his new club.
As the transfer window progresses, all eyes will be on the finalisation of the deal. For Liverpool, Touré’s departure would free up resources and squad space to accommodate their new recruits. For Touré, the move represents a fresh start and the chance to play regularly once again.
