Super Lig top scorer Boupendza opts against Russia move

By Salim Tas

HATAY, Turkey (AA) – Aaron Boupendza’s transfer to Russia has been called off and the Turkish Super Lig’s top scorer will remain at Atakas Hatayspor, the club said on Thursday.

Hatayspor had agreed a fee of €8.5 million ($10.4 million) with Russian side Krasnodar, but the striker has said he does not want to leave, according to Rahmi Vardi, a spokesperson for the Turkish club.

“In a recent talk with the management, Boupendza said he wants to continue playing for Hatayspor. Both Hatayspor and Krasnodar respect his choice, so the move was canceled,” he told reporters on Thursday, the last day of Russia’s winter transfer window.

The 24-year-old striker from Gabon has been one of the stars of the top Turkish league this season, leading the scoring charts with 18 strikes in 23 matches.

Boupendza, who came to Turkey on a free transfer from French side Bordeaux last August, is currently valued at €450,000 (nearly $550,620), according to German football database website Transfermarkt.