Martin Skrtel has left Liverpool to join Turkish Super Lig side Fenerbahce, in a deal worth a reported £5.5 million.
The 31-year-old found himself out of favour under Reds manager Jurgen Klopp this summer, and began talks with Fenerbahce following Slovakia’s exit from the European Championship.
The Istanbul outfit had already agreed a deal with Liverpool, allowing swift progress for Skrtel this week.
After eight-and-a-half years on Merseyside, Skrtel has now left the club, and will begin pre-season training under Vitor Pereira.
Fenerbahce confirmed Skrtel’s move to the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium on Thursday, with the centre-back poised to be officially unveiled on Friday at 12pm (BST).
Liverpool announced Skrtel’s departure hours later, thanking the player “for his committed service to the club and wishes him the best of luck at his new team and in his future career.”
Joining the Reds at the beginning of 2008, Skrtel went on to enjoy a long career on Merseyside that saw him come close to the Premier League title on two occasions, in 2008/09 and 2013/14.
Skrtel also played a key role as Liverpool won the League Cup under Kenny Dalglish in 2012, scoring in a 2-2 draw with Cardiff City in the final, as they went on to win 3-2 on penalties.
The heavily inked defender was named the club’s Player of the Season at the end of 2011/12, becoming the first centre-back to do so since Jamie Carragher in 2004/05.
With his influence waning in recent years, however, Skrtel makes a rational move to the Turkish Super Lig.
He is poised to take up a key role in Pereira’s 3-5-2 formation, alongside Simon Kjaer and Roman Neustadter, looking to replicate his strong displays in a similar system under Brendan Rodgers.
Skrtel can look to resurrect his fortunes in Istanbul, and continue his top-level career with Fenerbahce.
All the best, Martin.
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