Galatasaray swoop for Romanians
Monday, September 1, 2003
Article summary
Galatasaray SK have signed striker Florin Bratu and midfield player Ovidiu Petre on three-year deals.
Article body
Three-year contracts
Both players have agreed three-year contracts with an option for another two seasons. Midfield player Petre, 21, joins from FC National Bucuresti, having been denied a move to AFC Ajax in January when he failed to obtain a work permit.
Bratu cup-tied
Meanwhile, 23-year-old striker Bratu arrives from AFC Rapid Bucuresti, but will be ineligible for Galatasaray's Champions League campaign as he played in his former club's second qualifying round defeat by RSC Anderlecht. He scored eleven goals for the Romanian champions last season.
Useful signings
Galatasaray vice-president Ali Dürüst was pleased with the new recruits. "They are going to increase competition for places within the team," he said.
Juventus test
Galatasaray, third in the Turkish Super League, reached the Champions League group stage last week, defeating PFC CSKA Sofia 6-0 on aggregate. Their Group D challenge opens at 2002/03 finalists Juventus FC on 17 September, with matches against Real Sociedad de Fútbol and Olympiacos CFP to follow.
