Galatasaray boss Okan Buruk had reservations over Lesley Ugochukwu move, pundit says

Turkish pundit Ibrahim Seten says Lesley Ugochukwu was not a priority for Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk during the summer transfer window.

The 21-year-old midfielder joined the Turkish Super Lig champions on a season-long loan after an impressive individual campaign with Burnley last season.

Burnley were relegated to the Championship, but Ugochukwu produced a consistent personal campaign, scoring two goals and registering three assists in 35 Premier League appearances.

His move to Istanbul has so far failed to produce the same level of impact. Ugochukwu has not started a match for Galatasaray since the beginning of the new campaign.

Seten, speaking on the 343 Digital YouTube channel, said Buruk had preferred to retain Gabon international Mario Lemina and had not given his full backing to most of the club’s summer signings.

“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, viahabersarikirmizi.

Galatasaray ultimately decided to sign Ugochukwu after lengthy negotiations with Lemina, the former Southampton midfielder, during the summer transfer window.

The young midfielder will now aim to make a stronger impression and win Buruk’s confidence when domestic football resumes after the international break.