Hakan gives Galatasaray depth
Monday, September 3, 2007
Article summary
Galatasaray SK have strengthened their midfield options by completing the signing of Vestel Manisaspor's versatile Turkish international Hakan Kadir Balta.
Article body
Three-year deal
Berlin-born Hakan, who plays predominantly on the left wing, joined Manisaspor in 2003-04 from Hertha BSC Berlin reserves and has been a first-team regular for the last two seasons, scoring four goals in 28 league matches last term. The 24-year-old, capped once by his country, has signed a three-year deal with the UEFA Cup contenders while 20-year-old left-back Ferhat Öztorun moves in the opposite direction. In addition, winger Aydın Yılmaz and left-back Anıl Karaer, both 19, will also join Manisaspor on year-long loans. Hakan, who can also play at left-back, provides competition for another Germany-born left-back at Galatasaray, Volkan Yaman.
Loan moves
Galatasaray coach Karl-Heinz Feldkamp, whose side lead the Süper Lig after three wins and a draw, has already allowed Necati Ateş, Orhan Ak and Emre Aşık to move on loan to Ankaraspor AS while Hasan Kabze and Cihan Haspolatlı have left for FC Rubin Kazan and Bursaspor respectively.
