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Michy Batshuayi has completed what will likely be the summer’s most controversial move by joining Galatasaray as a free agent.
The former Chelsea striker had played for Turkish giants Fenerbahce since 2022, where he scored 44 goals in 75 matches.
However, his contract with the club expired at the end of last month, allowing him to make the move to Galatasaray – which he has confirmed with a Batman themed video on social media.
The move comes after Batshuayi’s wife, Amely Maria, wiped Instagram comments from her profile, after revealing that death threats have been aimed at their child.
Michy Batshuayi has confirmed his move to Galatasaray, after leaving their Turkish and fellow Istanbul-based rivals Fenerbahce at the end of his contract last month
The move is a huge talking point in Turkey, as it means he will play for his third different club in Istanbul having also previously had a loan stint at Besiktas (pictured playing for Fenerbahce)
His wife, Amely Maria (left) previously claimed her family had been threatened amid reports of the move before it was finalised
She wrote on Instagram that death threats had been aimed towards the couple’s child
She claimed her family and child have been threatened, while also alleging racist abuse had been sent to them.
‘When you don’t know what’s going on in the shadows, don’t point fingers at the innocent.
‘The real culprits are those who don’t take responsibility.
‘Shame on those who threaten my family and wish death on my child for football, and you dare to talk about family?
‘What a shame!!! Racism and death threats. God sees you all.’
In his confirmation video, a figure – supposed to be Batshuayi – is seen standing in the dark looking down at Galatasaray’s Rams Park stadium, with their red and yellow colours seen pointing up to the sky from the ground.
The video ends with the caption: ‘Batsman, the trilogy.’
It is the third Istanbul-based club that the 30-year-old will play for, after he also had a loan spell at Besiktas while he was contracted to Chelsea. Turkish outlet AA report that he has signed a three-year deal with the club.
Understanding the significance of his move to Galatasaray, Batshuayi has addressed the transfer also in a message on social media.
Batshuayi has spent the last three seasons in Istanbul with Besiktas and Fenerbahce
Batshuayi has explained the controversial transfer in a message on social media
He wrote: ‘A little over three years ago, I spread my wings in this exciting and passionate city of Istanbul.
‘Some may have thought I was arriving here at the twilight of my career. Thanks to the clubs that trusted me and the support of the fans, I put on my goalscoring cape again and rediscovered the passion and light I needed to thrive once more in a competitive league.
‘Free to sign since January, I waited for that trust to be renewed for the coming season. While I never doubted the intentions, I haven’t been moved by the actions.
‘In light of this, it is now time for me to soar to take on a new challenge. I have decided to commit to Galatasaray and to mark my attachment to the city of Istanbul and the (Turkish) Super Lig.
‘I understand the significance of my decision and this signing. I remain uptight and proud. I do not forget who I am or where I come from. But I also know where I am going.
‘I am happy to stay in this city that holds a special place in my heart, to wear the colours of the most titled club here, and I will give my all to help it continue its tradition of success. Batsman at Rams Park, coming soon to your screens!’
Batshuayi’s move comes after Fenerbahce narrowly missed out on the Turkish title to their bitter rivals last season.
Batshuayi scored an impressive 44 goals in 75 appearances during his time at Fenerbahce
Fenerbahce lost out on the title to Galatasaray by just three points in the most recent season
Batshuayi and Fenerbahce players were targeted by Trabzonspor fans after the striker netted the winner in a 3-2 victory back in March
Galatasaray were crowned champions after earning a staggering 102 points, after only suffering two defeats during the league season – with Fenerbahce finishing just three points back.
In May, Fenerbahce had beaten Galatasaray 1-0 to have boosted their title hopes but the match was marred by violent scenes.
A brawl took match on the pitch in the aftermath of the match, as Turkish football was hit by further violence. The incident came two months after Fenerbahce held a vote to withdraw from the league after their players were attacked by Trabzonspor fans.
Chaotic scenes unfolded after Trabzonspor supporters attempted to attack Fenerbahce’s players as they stormed the pitch following their Super Lig clash on March 17.
The violence had begun after Batshuayi had scored decisive goal in a 3-2 victory.
Thugs who entered the field of play brandished weapons and even picked up corner flags to attack the visiting team while they were celebrating their victory.
Clips circulated on social media showed another supporter sprinting directly towards Batshuayi, who launched into a spinning heel kick which connected with the fan.
Batshuayi has become the 11th place to have represented Turkey’s three biggest clubs – and the first foreign player to do so.’
