Yüksel Yıldırım announces transfer plans

Samsunspor Chairman Yüksel Yıldırım expressed frustration after his team's 3-3 draw against Göztepe in their Trendyol Süper Lig opener. "We fell behind unexpectedly, 1-0, but we recovered," Yıldırım stated, recounting the match's twists and turns, including missed penalties and shots hitting the post. Despite the draw, he was content that the team avoided defeat, especially considering they played with seven absent players.

Yıldırım outlined ambitious goals for the season, aiming for a top-five finish or, failing that, securing sixth or seventh place. He emphasized the need for reinforcements, disagreeing with the coach's assessment that the current squad is sufficient. "Turkish football is played tough," he explained, citing the likelihood of card suspensions and injuries. "I want to be safe."

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We fell behind unexpectedly, 1-0, but we recovered. We got a penalty and made it 1-1, then we went ahead 2-1. The first half was perfect for us. But in the second half, we conceded again. An incredibly bad mistake. Then you miss a penalty. Then you concede. Then the ball didn't favor us today, a couple of our shots hit the post. But Celil scored a magnificent goal. Ultimately, I am happy because we didn't lose. Why am I happy? Because we played this week's match with seven players missing.

The chairman confirmed active transfer negotiations, prioritizing a striker and a midfielder to replace Carlo Holse. He also indicated interest in signing a central defender. "We definitely want to sign players for these two positions," Yıldırım said. "We are also considering a defender. So, we are thinking of making two or three transfers."

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Our goal is like this. To play for the top 5. If not the top 5, then being 6th or 7th is not bad, I think. We will continue our transfer efforts. Our coach Marius and Fatih Kaya say they are enough for me. I find them insufficient. Because Turkish football is played tough. Card penalties and injuries can occur. I want to be safe. I definitely want to sign one striker. I want one midfielder. I want a player to replace Carlo Holse. Our negotiations are ongoing. We definitely want to sign players for these two positions. We are also considering a defender. So, we are thinking of making two or three transfers.