Former Leeds United winger Max Gradel has left Turkish Super League team Gaziantep FK, and dropped into the second tier with Sakaryspor.
The 36-year-old, who spent a little over two seasons at Elland Road, will make the move to Adapazarı in the next couple of hours, the eighth permanent club of his career. In addition to Leeds, he appeared for Bournemouth and Leicester City in England, leaving the former in 2017.
He hit the headlines recently when he helped his country, the Ivory Coast, lift the African Cup of Nations, even chipping in with an assist in the semi-final against DR Congo. That prompted his former Leeds boss, Simon Grayson, to congratulate him on the win, the second of his career. He also lifted the trophy in 2015 while on the books of French club St Etienne.
Sakaryaspor was a top-flight club in Turkey as recently as 2007, but following relegation, they slipped into the fourth tier. They’ve only recently climbed back into the second tier, finishing third last season. That led to a play-off for a spot in the top flight, but they were beaten 3-1 by Bodrum after extra time.
They now see the former Leeds man as pivotal to possible success this season. He had just four goal involvements for Gaziantep last season as they finished 11th in the top flight. Previous to that spell, he enjoyed three seasons with Sivasspor, scoring 29 times in 131 outings, and winning the Turkish Cup, a game in which he bagged as they won 3-1.
Gradel will be remembered fondly by Leeds supporters. He was part of the team that won promotion to the Championship in 2010, and in 2011, he scored 18 times in 41 Championship appearances, winning the Player Of The Year Award and the Player’s Player Of The Year Award.
The lure of a big-money move eventually proved too much, and he moved to the French side St Etienne for a fee believed to have been around £3 million.
Four years later, after winning the French League Cup, Bournemouth secured his services for £7 million, but an ACL injury ruled him out for six months, and he eventually returned to France with Toulouse, before his move to Turkey.
Writer’s View
Gradel was a hero at Elland Road, a player likely welcomed back with open arms should he ever wish to return as a supporter. He’s had a fine career as well, with two international trophies, as well as plenty of domestic success.
He’s just the sort of player who can help Sakaryaspor back into the Turkish top flight. He’s been a success in Turkey, particularly with Sivasspor, and even at the ripe old age of 36, he still has plenty to offer.
Founder of The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.
