18 February 2024 , 12:25
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The owners of Manchester City, the City Football Group, have confirmed that they have entered a ‘football collaboration’ agreement with Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir.
An announcement released on Sunday morning confirmed that the agreement with the SuperLig side will see the CFG “provide consultation across various footballing projects – including long-term football strategy, recruitment, scouting and coaching methodology”.
This will involve giving advice on long-term planning, sustainability and guidance on player recruitment, academy development and the use of data. In return, the agreement will see the CFG strengthen their relationships within Turkish football.
Speaking about the agreement, City CEO Ferran Sorriano said: “Turkey is a passionate football country, and we are looking forward to working together with Başakşehir on strategic football projects. We aim to contribute to the Club success on the pitch and to develop great football expertise and intelligence in Turkey.”
Elsewhere, Basaksehir President Göksel Gümüşdağ, said:“İstanbul Başakşehir FK has achieved many firsts in Turkish football despite its young age and today, with this collaboration with the leading football group in the World, it marks another milestone for İstanbul Başakşehir and Turkish football.
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“From the very beginning, we have reiterated at every opportunity that our vision and goals are different and today underlines this expression again. We are very happy, proud and excited.
“I would like to thank all the people in City Football Group for their approach and support in the process. I hope it will be beneficial for Başakşehir FK and Turkish football.”
Istanbul Basaksehir lifted the Super Lig title in 2020 (Getty Images)Will Man City win the Premier League this season? Share your predictions in the comments below
Ironically, the Turkish side had been backed to follow City’s lead as far back as 2017. Speaking after joining the club, former City defender Gael Clichy said: "Basaksehir gave me the impression of Manchester City. City is a club that's been improving for the last eight years. I've told my Basaksehir team-mates that this team could become a mini-City.”
Since then, the side enjoyed a period of success. They finished third in the SuperLig during the Frenchman’s first season at the club.
Basaksehir claimed a runners-up spot the following campaign before sealing their first ever top division title in the 2019/20 campaign. They currently sit a lowly ninth under the stewardship of Çağdaş Atan.
Away from their agreement with Istanbul Basaksehir, the City Football Group also own a host of clubs. That includes reigning European champions Manchester City, as well as New York City, Melbourne City, Yokohama F. Marinos, Montevideo City Torque, Girona, Shenzhen Peng City, Mumbai City, Lommel SK, Troyes, Palermo, Bahia and also partner club Bolívar.
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