Wilfried Singo chooses Istanbul future as Damac FC make Saudi approach

Wilfried Singo has no plans to leave Galatasaray this summer, despite interest from Saudi Pro League club Damac FC.

The 25-year-old Cote d’Ivoire defender wants to continue his career in Istanbul and remain with the Turkish champions, according to information from 225foot. Singo joined Galatasaray a year ago and is keen to continue his development in the Super Lig rather than consider a move to Saudi Arabia.

Damac FC recently contacted Galatasaray about a potential deal for the Cote d’Ivoire international. However, the proposal made by the Saudi club did not satisfy Galatasaray’s directors, who would demand a significantly higher transfer fee before considering the defender’s departure.

Galatasaray are also in a strong negotiating position because Singo is under contract with the club until June 2030. His long-term agreement gives the Istanbul side considerable control over any discussions and means there is no immediate pressure to sanction a sale.

Singo’s position appears to be just as clear as that of his club. The defender is understood to be committed to continuing in Galatasaray’s red and yellow colours and does not intend to change teams during the current summer transfer window.

His decision comes despite his continued importance in the transfer market. Singo is valued at 23m euros by Transfermarkt, underlining the level of investment that would be required to persuade Galatasaray to part with him. The available information does not indicate that Damac FC’s approach has come close to meeting the Turkish club’s expectations.

Interest from the Saudi Pro League has also failed to alter the player’s plans. For now, Singo intends to build on his first year in Turkey and establish himself at Galatasaray over the longer term.

The defender is reported to earn an annual income of 8,000,000 euros, equivalent to 5,200,000,000 FCFA, in Turkey. That financial arrangement forms part of his current situation at the club, but it has not changed his preference to remain in Istanbul.

Singo was part of the Cote d’Ivoire side that won the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations and arrived at Galatasaray one year ago. Since then, he has continued his career in the Super Lig, where he now hopes to make further progress in the red and yellow shirt.

Galatasaray’s next fixture will be their third match of the Turkish league season, against Goztepe. The meeting will provide the club with another opportunity to focus on domestic competition while uncertainty around Singo’s future continues to attract transfer interest.

Betting company 1xBet lists Galatasaray as favourites for the match, with a price of 1.35 for a home win. A draw is priced at 4.30, while a Goztepe victory is listed at 6.10.