Former Turkey captain and current Antalyaspor head coach Emre Belözoğlu has identified Nigerian winger Henry Onyekuru as a priority target in his summer recruitment drive, Soccernet.ng reports.
Belözoğlu, who took charge of the Turkish club in January, has been vocal about his desire to strengthen the team following a challenging campaign that saw Antalyaspor narrowly escape relegation.
Despite securing six wins in 20 matches, the 44-point finish left the club just above the drop zone, and the former Inter Milan and Atlético Madrid midfielder is keen to avoid a repeat.
According to Ajansspor, Belözoğlu has already made contact with Onyekuru and convinced him to join Antalyaspor. The 28-year-old is currently a free agent after ending his contract with Saudi Arabian side Al-Fayha, and is said to be open to a return to European football.
Onyekuru, who has previously enjoyed stints with Galatasaray, Anderlecht, and Monaco, is no stranger to the Turkish Super Lig. His time with Galatasaray included standout performances against Antalyaspor — most notably scoring twice in a 5-0 victory in March 2019. He also played a crucial role in their domestic campaigns, winning the league and cup honours across three loan spells.
READ MORE
The Super Lig veteran has emerged as a top name on Belözoğlu’s transfer shortlist, alongside Trabzonspor playmaker Abdülkadir Ömür. Antalyaspor have so far only confirmed the signings of Doğukan Sinik and Georgiy Dzhikiya but remain active in the market.
Negotiations with Onyekuru have reportedly stalled over wage demands, but club officials remain optimistic that a deal can be struck.
Belözoğlu believes the winger’s pace and attacking instincts could be vital in reshaping Antalyaspor’s frontline.
In a statement addressing the club’s transfer ambitions, Belözoğlu said:
“If the right moves are made, we will do everything possible to take Antalyaspor to the level it deserves.”
A Nigeria international, Onyekuru was a member of the Super Eagles squad that won bronze medal at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.