Fernebahce of Turkey have confirmed a sealed agreement with Victor Moses, which sees the former Super Eagles star move to Istanbul on loan from Chelsea in an 18-month deal.
Sports247.ng learnt that Fernebahce went public Friday afternoon, after Moses signed a one-and-a-half-year contract that will see the 28-year-old winger stay in Turkey until the end of the 2019-20 season.
Moses, who first joined Chelsea from Wigan Athletic in 2012, made 128 appearances for The Blues, with 18 goals across four seasons.
However, Moses exit from Chelsea, either temporary or permanent, had been inevitable all along, after he failed to impress The Blues’ Italian gaffer, Maurizio Sarri.
Before Sarri’s arrival at Stamford Bridge, Moses had been converted to play as a wing-back under the preceding Italian tactician, Antonio Conte, and played a key role in the London club’s 2016-17 EPL title triumph.
Things went from bad to worst under Sarri, leaving Chelsea with little choice but find a new base for Moses, who had earlier in his career with the club gone on three straight loan spells at Liverpool, Stoke City and West Ham United.
However, Moses is in his first career stint outside England, as his wage demands could not be met by the like of Fulham, Huddersfield Town, Aston Villa and his former club, Crystal Palace, who all showed intent.
The Turkish Super Lig side, who have also inquired about a similar deal for the crafty winger’s Chelsea teammate, Danny Drinkwater, stated: “Welcome to Fenerbahçe @VictorMoses!”
Current stats, though, show that Moses is in for a tough time and will have to work his socks off, as Fenerbahce are just two points off the bottom of the Turkish Super Lig table.
They are the biggest club in Turkey but have crashed into crisis and are now battling against relegation, despite the like of Roberto Soldado, Martin Skrtel and Andre Ayew in the team.
Fener are still crippled by overspending in a bid to match Europe’s giants, which saw them buy top stars like Nani and Robin van Persie.
Dramatically, Sarri’s assistant, Gianfranco Zola says he is disappointed that Moses could not find more playing at the London club.
Zola retorted: “It’s a pity because he’s a wonderful professional and it’s a pity he couldn’t find the opportunities to show his value.”
