As Turkish media claims, Super Lig club Galatasaray positions Southampton defender Kyle Walker-Peters as an alternative to previous target Emerson.
Premier League clubs have been a spring of established, versatile full-backs for a long time now. Adorned with stars, Kyle Walker, Trent Alexander Arnold, and Ben White, unsurprisingly, the league has attracted foreign eyes comfortably.
And if any quality full-back is available for a steal price, the club owners are bound to get proposals.
That has been the case with Southampton star Kyle Walker-Peters. Previously eyed for a move by Everton and Leicester, now Turkish giants Galatasaray has joined the race for him.
Turkish champions emerge surprise destination for Southampton star
Recently, while speaking to Haber Sarikirmizi, journalist Kağan Dursun mentioned Galatasaray's interest in the 27-year-old. In Dursun's words: “Galatasaray have added 27-year-old English right-back Kyle Walker-Peters, who plays for Southampton, to their list as an alternative to the injured Emerson.”
Galatasaray's problems with the right cover have been nothing surprising. Since full-back Serge Aurier left, the Turkish club hasn't been able to reinforce the role properly.
Factually, the current role holder, Kaan Ayhan, hasn't done anything wrong this season. Still, his recurring injury issues have been a headache for boss Okan Burak, who seeks to solve this in January.
Interestingly, Galatasaray is in the right problem at the right time. Their initial target Emerson's injury has allowed them the opportunity of a lifetime to get a more versatile option, Walker-Peters in a steal deal.
As it appears, it wouldn't take much time for Galatasaray to agree terms with Southampton. Also, for Walker-Peters, it's an easy decision to join title contenders Galatasaray than continue at the Saints.
As of now, a potential deal might appease all stakeholders involved. Having said that, Galatasaray's pursuit of Walker-Peters needs to be quick if they are to land a winter move.
Hoping that Southampton unshackles itself from the prolonged Walker-Peters saga soon.