Football: French midfielder Nzonzi joins Galatasaray

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish football powerhouse Galatasaray signed French midfielder Steven Nzonzi from Italy's Roma on Friday.

"Steven Nzonzi has completed an initial loan move to Turkish side Galatasaray. Good luck, Steven! #ASRoma," the Italian club said in a Twitter post.

"Nzonzi will join the Turkish club on an initial season-long loan deal, which runs until 30 June 2020. As part of the agreement, Galatasaray have the option to make the transfer permanent - prior to the expiration of the loan - for a fixed fee of €16 million," Roma said on its website.

Galatasaray have been looking for a defensive midfielder since the exit of Brazilian player Fernando Reges in July.

Nzonzi, 30, won the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France.

In addition, Nzonzi lifted the UEFA Europa League trophy in 2016 while he was a Sevilla player. Last season, he scored one goal in 39 appearances for Roma.

In Galatasaray, Nzonzi is expected to play alongside Ivorian central midfielder Jean Michael Seri and Moroccan playmaker Younes Belhanda.