Samuel Eto’o Edges Closer to Antalyaspor Move Amid Sampdoria Exit Talks
By BBC Sport Africa
Cameroonian legend Samuel Eto’o appears to be nearing a move to Turkish side Antalyaspor, with negotiations reportedly at an advanced stage. According to Footmercato, the striker’s agent has travelled to Turkey for discussions with the newly promoted Super Lig club.
Eto’o, who joined Italian side Sampdoria earlier this year, is expected to leave the Serie A club this summer. Sampdoria have made it clear they will not oppose his departure, clearing the way for the four-time African Player of the Year to seek a new challenge.
The president of Antalyaspor is reportedly confident that a deal has been struck with the former Barcelona and Chelsea forward. “We have reached an agreement,” he is quoted as saying, expressing optimism that the high-profile transfer will be finalised soon.
However, the move is not yet official. Eto’o still needs to formally terminate his contract with Sampdoria before he can sign with the Turkish side. That process is currently underway, and all parties are expected to work toward a swift resolution.
Eto’o, 34, was recently linked with clubs in both Mexico and the United States, but Antalyaspor now appear to be in pole position to secure the services of the veteran striker. The club, newly promoted to Turkey’s top flight, is looking to make a bold statement by signing one of Africa’s most iconic footballers.
If the deal goes through, it would mark another chapter in the illustrious career of Eto’o, who has won league titles and Champions League trophies with top European clubs and remains one of the most decorated African players of all time.
