No time for much else, but Salut! Sunderland could not let the signing of Alim Ozturk – our first acquisition under Jack Ross – pass without the customary welcome.
Enjoy Sunderland, Alim, and let us enjoy the football you play for us.
This is the club statement:
Sunderland AFC has agreed a deal to sign Alim Ozturk, who recently left Turkish side Boluspor.
The centre-back will formally join the Black Cats on July 1, in a two-year deal.
A former Turkish under 21 international who was born in the Netherlands, Ozturk began his career at Dutch side SC Cambuur, before moving to Trabzonspor.
The 25-year-old then made the move to Scottish side Heart of Midlothian, spending three years at the club, during which time he was awarded the captain’s armband.
He returned to Turkish football in January 2017, signing an eighteen-month deal with Boluspor.
Speaking about the player, Jack Ross said: ‘He is someone who I know – I worked with him a few years ago at Hearts. He is a player who is yet to reach his full potential, but this opportunity here gives him the chance to do that.
‘He is a really good player and he will be able to cope with the physical demands of this league. He is really comfortable on the ball and I think the supporters will see that. He is excited by the opportunity to come here and he wants to do well so that fits perfectly in to what we are trying to do here moving forward.’
As some readers of Salut will know, my ‘other club’ is Hearts. It wouldn’t be overstating the case that signing Alim Ozturk is the best bit of business that SAFC could do this close season, or many an other close season for that matter.
Alim is a giant of a defender who never gives less than 100% every game. Strong in the air and tackles well,His weakest attribute is his passing. He was a hugely popular player during his time at Tynecastle and he will be a hit with our supporters at the SoL. He has an absolute bozooka of a right foot and will get a few goals as well. I’m as delighted we have signed him as I was gutted when he left Hearts. We’ve signed a natural leader and captain here. Welcome to Sunderland Alim!
According to the Chronicle Jon McLaughlin is about to sign for Sunderland. Most of our fans may not know very much about him either but if believe me nobody will be disappointed in either of these lads. JM is a solid and consistent goalkeeper. Its been a while since we had one. This is as good a start as Jack could make. Great stuff!