Former Liverpool midfielder Nuri Sahin has leapt to the defence of reported Rangers target Haji Wright after he was targeted for abuse from Antalyaspor supporters.
Ex-Reds, Real Madrid and Dortmund midfielder Nuri Sahin is now in charge of the Turkish Super Lig side, for whom Haji Wright has netted 16 goals this season, including 15 in the Turkish top flight.
But now, without a strike in his last four games – and amid talk of a rejected £7m bid from Rangers – USA World Cup star Wright has been the subject of abuse from his own supporters.
Despite starting the eventual 0-0 draw against Istanbul Basaksehir, Haji Wright was subbed after 81 minutes to a chorus of boos, with the links to Rangers still clearly fresh in the memory.
Nuri Sahin defends Rangers-linked Haji Wright
Speaking after the game, Sahin lambasted the fans who were booing the 25-year-old striker, with Wright failing to score for the club since netting a double against Istanbulspor in mid-April.
“I am not a person who has understood whistling all my life,” said Sahin.
“I have always stood against it both in my football career and in my coaching period. I was surprised, I was surprised because it is clear that Haji has given us so far, it is clear what he will give.”
In Soccer America, Sahin is quoted as saying:
“He became a father abroad, not in his own country. Maybe his wife was alone in the hospital. There are a lot of things. Because it is obvious that Haji is both a football player and a human being and what he has done for us. He could have easily gone to other teams at the beginning of the season, but he preferred us. Loyalty is very important, humanity is very important.”
Reports coming out of Turkey have claimed that Rangers offered £7m plus a 15% sell-on to sign Wright but this was rebuffed, with Antalyaspor hoping for closer to £8.75m amid links to Southampton.
The fees involved have certainly had Rangers fans balking, but there remains an air of mystery as to who the striker being targeted in Michael Beale’s rebuild actually is.
The only other name being routinely mentioned is Bordeaux striker Josh Maja, but a boost to the Ligue 2 side’s promotion hopes could scupper the Ibrox links.
