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Obafemi Martins move to Turkish club falls short, again

In what seems a familiar refrain Martins, a Turkish club and/or Seattle can not get all the details worked out for a move. This time Genclerbirligi made their pitch, and Oba said no according to multiple reports.

If B-Rad never lets go he can't leave. Right?
If B-Rad never lets go he can't leave. Right?
USA TODAY Sports

There are a few things that seem to be known about Obafemi Martins and an off-season move. Especially since a third Turkish side (Genclerbirligi) tried to acquire him according to reports. The two previous linked clubs in Turkey were Galatasaray and Rizespor. Three linked clubs of various monies and none could get the deal done for various reasons (there are indications that one was only about a loan).

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  • There is interest in Obafemi, particularly in Turkey. They, like MLS, are a league trying to claw for greater international recognition.
  • Martins or his agent(s) are talking to clubs about a move in a public way.
  • Oba wants more money.
  • Seattle knows there are discussions.
Seattle Sounders FC need an Oba level talent up top. While they are collecting MLS quality forwards, he is more than that. He was an exceptional talent in 2013 when healthy. Then he wasn't healthy. They also spent a lot of money bringing him here. His transfer at the time was huge (it's since been dwarfed three times).

Throw all of this into a pot and maybe this winter is just an example to Martins that things are pretty good here. Unlike his last stop on his global soccer tour he gets paid on time. He gets paid really well even. Could he make more somewhere? Possibly. But if he is not going to get more money and he is not going to get back on the good side of the Nigerian National Team, maybe playing in front of 45,000 fans making more than a million dollars is good enough?

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