Gael Clichy introduced at Istanbul Basaksehir after City release
Gael Clichy was unveiled at Turkish giant-killer Istanbul Basaksehir on Thursday following his release from Manchester City.
The Frenchman, 31, will join on Friday morning after completing a medical. He's set to link up with an ambitious side that finished second in the Super Lig last season, just 27 years after being founded and beginning life in the amateur leagues.
The club attributes its rise to being well-structured, rather than adopting the short-term tactics of its rivals and paying vast sums for stars that are nearing their sell-by date.
"That is our main difference, we have long term plans and due to the way we are set up, the president can stand behind the manager," executive director Mustafa Erogut said, according to ESPN FC's Eren Sarigul.
When veterans are acquired, they are cheap and offer significant pedigree. Regularly manning the midfield over the past two seasons has been former Newcastle United man Emre Belozoglu, a veteran of over 90 Turkey caps.
Next season could be Basaksehir's first foray in the Champions League, with a two-legged third-round qualifier later in July standing in its way.
Another Manchester City and Basaksehir connection could be forged in the near future, after the latter disclosed details of negotations between the two parties over the transfer of 19-year-old Cengiz Under.
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