Arda Turan has cost Barcelona one million euros for each appearance
The talented player has not been able to find a home at Barça
However, he wants to stay at the club where he still has a contract
Arda Turan, according to sources, has turned down the option to move to Galatasaray on loan in favour of remaining at Barcelona, where he's been one of the biggest disappointments of recent seasons. Each game he has played for the Catalan club has come at a cost of one million euros and he's not been able to show his talent.
Barça signed Turan in 2015 but due to the FIFA transfer ban it was January 2016 when he made his debut, registering for Luis Enrique's team and joining up with the MSN (Messi-Suarez-Neymar) in search of a second successive treble.
Atletico received 34 million for the player and could still receive another seven million, pending various add-ons. Meanwhile, Arda has earned eight million a year, although maybe more in some seasons depending on titles won and games played.
THE FOURTH FORWARD
Even though at the time it was a lot of money to spend on a 29-year-old, no one questioned the logic of signing an immensely talented player, who had shone for Diego Simeone's Atletico and was a self-confessed fan of the 'Barça style'. However, the story has not developed as expected.
When he was able to play, he often appeared as the fourth forward. But he was not consistent, with his two most natural positions on the left operated by Neymar and Andres Iniesta.
Turan showed brief signs of his ability, mainly when filling in for Neymar on the left, but he never convinced Luis Enrique, who made a big effort to have him signed, that he deserved a regular spot in the side.
JEERED WITH TURKEY
His worrying performances at Camp Nou translated to the national team, with Turkey supporters jeering him during their Euro 2016 match against Spain.
The numbers ratify the sensations. He has played 55 games for Barça and has scored 15 goals and provided 11 assists. Worse than that, though, is that there are no real memories from his time at the club to date, no decisive moments.
In total, variables and wages considered, Barça have invested at least 55 million in Turan, which translates to almost one million per game. The results do not match and it looks like he will not count for Ernesto Valverde this season -- even if he does want to stay with Barça.
Arda Turan has a contract with Barça until June 30 (2020) and his release clause is 125 million.
