segunda-feira, 30 de maio de 2011

Former Bolton striker Johan Elmander joins Galatasaray

Johan Elmander has signed a three-year deal with Turkish side Galatasaray after his release by Bolton.

The 29-year-old Sweden striker's contract at the Reebok Stadium expired at the end of the 2010-11 season and so the Trotters will not receive a fee.

Galatasaray endured a disappointing campaign as they finished eighth in their domestic league.

Jlloyd Samuel, Joey O'Brien and Tamir Cohen have also left Bolton after the expiration of their contracts.

Boss Owen Coyle said all four players were being released for "footballing reasons".

Bolton also said Daniel Sturridge will go back to Chelsea after a loan spell, as will Rodrigo - to Benfica - while goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi will return from Wigan.

"Daniel and Rodrigo have both come into the club on loan deals and done wonderfully well," Coyle stated.

"We like young and exciting players at the football club and the two have shown they have the potential to continue to develop and grow."

Omani goalkeeper Al Habsi won Wigan's player of the year award after helping the Latics avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Elmander signed for Bolton on a three-year deal from French club Toulouse in 2008 and scored 18 goals in 82 starts.

Though Coyle stopped short of confirming his departure on Saturday, the Bolton manager revealed that he had already started making plans for a potential replacement.

Defender Samuel did not play for the Trotters this season before joining Championship club Cardiff in March on an emergency loan deal until the end of the season.

Israeli midfielder Cohen signed for Bolton in late 2007 having previously played for Maccabi Netanya in his homeland.

Sheffield Wednesday signed midfielder O'Brien on loan for the rest of the season in March.