After scaling European heights, Mesut Ozil’s next footballing step might take him across the Atlantic to Major League Soccer. The German midfielder, who currently represents Fenerbahce, is a target for Los Angeles FC, as per his friend.
According to Ozil’s long-time friend, and former Turkey international, Ridvan Dilmen, the German star is the subject of interest from the United States. The former Arsenal and Real Madrid midfielder was frozen out by Fenerbahce recently – for reasons untold – and his future in Turkey has been thrown into doubt.
However, as per Dilmen, there is already a suitor ready to take the 33-year-old away from Fenerbahce and hand him a new lease of life, albeit across the Atlantic. The former Turkey international claimed in an interview with TRT that MLS side Los Angeles FC – home to another former Arsenal player in Carlos Vela – is keen on signing him.
“Los Angeles FC club wants Mesut Özil. I read it as a written message. He has a contract for two more years, [and] he wants to stay in Fenerbahçe. Time will tell what will happen,”
he said.
Like Dilmen, Ozil’s agent, Erkut Sogut, also confirmed that the German World Cup winner wants to continue with Fenerbahce despite his suspension.
However, club president Ali Koc recently claimed that the midfielder won’t return to the squad in the near future after he reportedly fell out with the hierarchy. He, along with midfielder Ozan Tufan, was excluded from the squad on March 24.
“Mesut will not go anywhere, nor does he plan to go anywhere. There are two years until the end of his contract. He will continue here as a Fenerbahce player.”
Sogut said.
Ozil joined the Turkish Super Lig side from Arsenal on a free transfer in January 2021, after the Gunners decided to cancel his contract six months before its expiration date. The German left Arsenal a three-tie FA Cup winner, after seven-and-a-half years at the club, with 254 appearances and 44 goals in the bag.
Across two seasons in Turkey since then, Ozil he played 37 games and scored nine goals, all of which have come this season.
Also read 👉 Ozil expected to leave Fenerbahce after spat with manager; Hull City & Inter Miami interested
