Melo loaned to Galatasaray

Published: 22 Jul 2011 - 19:30:53

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Galatasaray on Friday tied up a one season loan deal with Juventus for the Italian Serie A side's Brazil defender Melo.

Galatasaray in a statement confirmed: "A deal has been signed for a loan with an option to buy. Melo will receive a salary of 3.3 million euros with a 30,000-euro match bonus."

The Istanbul club are paying Juve 1.5 million euros, with a 13-million price tag placed on Melo should Galatasaray wish to secure his services on a permanent basis next year.

The 28-year-old international began his career in Spain with Real Mallorca, Racing Santander and Almeria, before he moved to Italy to play for Fiorentina and then Juventus.

After a poor 2010-2011 campaign which ended with Galatasaray in eighth position in the Turkish league the club has set about trying to revive their fortunes with the appointment of former Turkey coach Fatih Terim as manager.

They have strengthened their attack with the signing of Swedish striker Johan Elmander from English Premier League side Bolton and this week recruited from Lazio Fernando Muslera, the goalkeeper for Copa America finalists Uruguay.