Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has arrived at the Atatürk airport in Istanbul via a private jet ahead of completing his move to Fenerbahce.
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Skrtel, who represented Slovakia at Euro 2016, arrived in Istanbul on Tuesday and expects his transfer to be completed quickly.
Skrtel has been with the Reds for eight-and-a-half years since joining from Russian club Zenit St Petersburg in January 2008 but was told by Jurgen Klopp that he is surplus to requirements.
Their Turkish rivals Galatasaray and Besiktas also made approaches to the player’s camp but the runners-up in last season’s Super Lig were the only side to formally match Liverpool’s valuation for the defender.
Stars & Friends – Skrtel’s management company – agent Mihat Halis told Turkish-football.com last week that the transfer was nearly certain to go ahead and that all that remained is for Fenerbahce to wrap up contract talks with the Slovakian global. I’m eagerly awaiting tomorrow as well. Liverpool is a giant club but Fenerbahce is very stable and they are rapidly progressing.
“I already know about Fenerbahce as a team and a club”. Fenerbahce is a giant club so I am delighted to accept their offer.
The 31-year-old enjoyed 48 games in the campaign prior but was not a preferred starter under Jurgen Klopp.
But the defender’s playing time became limited last season, making just 22 league appearances, falling to 4th choice centre-back behind Sakho, Lovren and Toure.
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Canos, meanwhile, has opted for Norwich City as his next destination.
