Galatasaray have officially completed the signing of midfielder Mario Lemina from English Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers for a fee of 2.5 million euros ($2.60 million), as confirmed by both clubs on Wednesday. The Gabonese international has agreed to a one-and-a-half-year deal with the Istanbul giants, which includes an option to extend for an additional season.
Lemina has not featured for Wolves since January 6, having fallen out of favor with head coach Vitor Pereira. His absence from the squad stemmed from disciplinary issues and tactical disagreements with the manager, leading to speculation about his future at the club.
Tensions between Lemina and the Wolves hierarchy escalated in December when he was stripped of the captaincy following an altercation with West Ham United’s Jarrod Bowen. The incident reportedly played a significant role in his diminishing role within the team and paved the way for his eventual exit.
Galatasaray disclosed the financial details of the agreement, stating that Lemina will earn 1.3 million euros for the remainder of the 2024-25 season. If he stays beyond that, his salary will increase to 2.5 million euros per season under the terms of his contract.
The 31-year-old midfielder brings a wealth of experience to the Turkish club, having played in top European leagues. Before his stint with Wolves, Lemina had spells at Marseille, Juventus, Southampton, Fulham, and Nice, showcasing his versatility and physical presence in midfield.
Lemina initially joined Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2023 from French side Nice, spending two seasons at Molineux. During his time in England, he made 77 appearances across all competitions, contributing six goals while playing a key role in the team’s midfield.
Now embarking on a new chapter in Turkey, Lemina is expected to bolster Galatasaray’s squad as they compete in the Süper Lig and European competitions. His arrival adds depth and experience to the midfield, providing manager Okan Buruk with additional options for the remainder of the campaign.
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