Galatasaray eyes loan for Oulai after €30m Fiorentina move

Christ Inao Oulai is back on Galatasaray’s radar. The Turkish club intends to approach Fiorentina in the upcoming winter transfer window with a loan proposal for the 20-year-old Ivorian midfielder.

Loan strategy and buy option

Sarı-kırmızılı management aims to secure the player through a temporary deal that includes a purchase option. This approach leverages Oulai’s current lack of playing time in Italy. Head coach Okan Buruk has identified the midfielder as a priority target for squad reinforcement during the mid-season break.

The club’s interest is not new. Galatasaray monitored Oulai since the previous season’s winter break and held talks with Trabzonspor at that time, though no agreement was reached. Management continued tracking the player even after he moved to Serie A.

Struggles in Italian football

Oulai joined Fiorentina at the start of this season from Trabzonspor. The deal involved a fixed transfer fee of €26 million plus €4 million in conditional bonuses. However, the young talent has failed to establish himself in the Italian league.

Reports indicate the midfielder is unhappy with his limited minutes in recent matches. Sources suggest Oulai is open to returning to Turkey, a preference Galatasaray hopes to use as leverage in negotiations with the Florentine side.

Trabzonspor retains sell-on clause

Any future movement for Oulai impacts Trabzonspor financially. According to a statement filed by the Bordo-mavili club with the Public Disclosure Platform (KAP), they are entitled to 10% of the net amount from any subsequent sale of the player.

This contractual detail remains relevant as Galatasaray prepares its formal inquiry. The potential return of the Ivorian international to the Turkish Süper Lig would mark a significant reversal of his high-profile departure earlier this year.