LA Galaxy's Nigel de Jong 'quite likely' to join Galatasaray - source
LA Galaxy midfielder Nigel de Jong is in talks to join Turkish side Galatasaray, with an MLS league source telling ESPN FC it is "quite likely" that the deal will be completed prior to the close of the European transfer window on Thursday.
Turkish and Dutch outlets were the first to report the news, while ESPN FC television analyst Taylor Twellman also confirmed the Turkish club's interest.
The former Dutch international joined the Galaxy just prior to the 2016 season, making 21 league and cup appearances. But De Jong's contract had him poised to become a Designated Player at the end of the campaign, taking the place of Steven Gerrard who is widely expected to retire.
According to data from the MLS Players Union, De Jong made $500,000 this season, and had he remained with the Galaxy, not only would he have received a salary increase into the multi-million dollar range, but LA would have been at the maximum number of Designated Players (three). For that reason, the Galaxy appear set to move on from the tough-tackling midfielder, who has also incurred two suspensions totaling five games this year.
If the move goes through, De Jong will be reunited with former Netherlands international teammate Wesley Sneijder as well as manager Jan Olde Riekerink, who coached at Ajax during De Jong's days there as a youth player.
