Kenneth Omeruo: Third ‘Missionary Journey’ to Turkey

After two earlier stints with Super Lig side, Kasimpasa, first in 2015/16 season before a second one in 2017/18 season, Super Eagles defender, Kenneth Omeruo returned to Turkey on Tuesday for third spell after Spanish side, CD Leganes, agreed to release the Nigerian  

Turkish Super Lig club Kasımpasa on Thursday announced the signing of Super Eagles defender, Kenneth Omeruo.

The exact length and details of the financial terms of the contract have not been disclosed, but what makes this deal intriguing is that Omeruo had a lucrative offer from a Saudi Pro League club on the table.

However, he chose to turn down the attractive deal in favour of returning to the Turkish Super Lig.

The signing ceremony took place at Kasımpasa’s Turgay Ciner Sports Facilities, where Omeruo put pen to paper, committing himself to the club.

Before this, he successfully underwent a medical examination at Liv Hospital Vadi Istanbul, ensuring his fitness for the upcoming season.

This will not be Omeruo’s first stint with Kasımpasa. In the past, during his time at Chelsea, he enjoyed two loan spells with the Istanbul club, racking up an impressive 54 appearances.

Moreover, he boasts a total of 79 appearances in the Turkish topflight, spread across two different clubs. Notably, 26 of those appearances were for Alanyaspor during the 2016-2017 season.

Before making this move, Omeruo was associated with Spanish La Liga 2 team CD Leganes, but they have now officially parted ways with him, despite having a year left on his contract.

Omeruo arrived Turkey on Tuesday to finalise a move from CD Leganes to Super Lig side, Kasimpasa.

As reported by Spanish outlet AS Diario fews weeks ago about the willingness of the Spanish club to part ways with the Nigerian international this summer, with the aim to remove him from their wage bill as he is currently among the top earners at the club.

Leganes and Kasimpasa have agreed to a deal for the transfer of the 29-year-old former Chelsea defender to move to Turkey this summer.

The completion of the transfer sees Omeruo depart from Spain after five years with the Segunda division club.

Omeruo is making a return to the Turkish Super Lig club after a previous loan stint in the 2017/18 season.

Omeruo was said to have been mulling over a big-money offer from a Saudi Arabian club before his trip to Turkey.

The unnamed Saudi Arabian are in the market for a central defender and offered him four million dollars  per season in wages but the 29-year-old sensationally rejected the proposal.

Omeruo had two different loan spells with Kasımpasa during his time at Stamford Bridge, making 54 appearances in all competitions and scored one goal while registering an assist.

He initially joined Leganes on a temporary basis in August 2018 and the loan deal was made permanent the following summer.

Omeruo arrived Turkey on Tuesday after saying his goodbye to his teammates and staff of Spain’s Segunda division side, CD Leganés following his move to Turkish Super Liga club, Kasimpasa.

“Our new transfer, Kenneth Omeruo signed a contract that binds him to Kasimpasa at the signing ceremony that took place after having his medical,” the Turkish club said.

Omeruo took to social media where he wrote that he is happy to make a return to Kasimpasa: “New chapter. God’s Work. Excited to be back at Kasimpasa SK,” he said.

The 29-year-old also said an emotional goodbye to the fans of former club, Leganés where he played for five seasons, having joined from Chelsea back in the summer of 2018.

“I want to thank you for the last five years I’ve played for this great club, thank you for the love and support you gave me and the team even when we weren’t giving it.

“You deserve it, you kept coming to the stadium, spending your money and supporting us. I have to say goodbye but I’m one of you because wherever I am, I’ll be cheering for Leganés.

“And hopefully, we get what we deserve which is the promotion to La Liga. Thank you for helping me achieve my dream to play in Laliga and play against the best players.

“Thank you, CD Leganes for your support, belief and trust in me. It was a great privilege to be the captain of the team. I will follow you forever and you will be in my heart.”

The defender who played in the Nigeria U17 team and Under-20 setups, before going on trial with Belgian giants RSC Anderlecht and was snapped up by another Belgian top division side, Standard de Liège.

Just as it seemed that his international career was over, Omeruo has found favor with Jose Peseiro in recent matches, with the Portuguese football tactician naming him in the starting lineup and handing him the armband for the last two competitive matches played by the national team.