Michy Batshuayi has completed what will likely be the summer’s most controversial move by joining Galatasaray as a free agent.
The former Chelsea striker had played for Turkish giants Fenerbahce since 2022, where he scored 44 goals in 75 matches.
However, his contract with the club expired at the end of last month, allowing him to make the move to Galatasaray – which he has confirmed with a Batman themed video on social media.
The rivalry between the two Istanbul-based sides is one of the fiercest in world football, and the transfer has been a huge talking point in Turkey over recent days.
The move comes after Batshuayi’s wife, Amely Maria, wiped Instagram comments from her profile, after revealing that death threats have been aimed at their child.
Michy Batshuayi has confirmed his move to Galatasaray, after leaving their Turkish and fellow Istanbul-based rivals Fenerbahce at the end of his contract last month
The move is a huge talking point in Turkey, as it means he will play for his third different club in Istanbul having also previously had a loan stint at Besiktas (pictured playing for Fenerbahce)
His wife, Amely Maria (left) previously claimed her family had been threatened amid reports of the move before it was finalised
She wrote on Instagram that death threats had been aimed towards the couple’s child
She claimed her family and child have been threatened, while also alleging racist abuse had been sent to them.
‘When you don’t know what’s going on in the shadows, don’t point fingers at the innocent.
‘The real culprits are those who don’t take responsibility.
‘Shame on those who threaten my family and wish death on my child for football, and you dare to talk about family?
‘What a shame!!! Racism and death threats. God sees you all.’
In his confirmation video, a figure – supposed to be Batshuayi – is seen standing in the dark looking down at Galatasaray’s Rams Park stadium, with their red and yellow colours seen pointing up to the sky from the ground.
The video ends with the caption: ‘Batsman, the trilogy.’
It is the third Istanbul-based club that the 30-year-old will play for, after he also had a loan spell at Besiktas while he was contracted to Chelsea. Turkish outlet AA report that he has signed a three-year deal with the club.
Understanding the significance of his move to Galatasaray, Batshuayi has addressed the transfer also in a message on social media.
Batshuayi has…