In his travels with the East-West Soccer Club and the U.S. Olympic and national teams, Brad Friedel had traveled to many countries, but never Turkey.
Now, he’s living in a hotel in east Istanbul that overlooks the Black Sea.
The goalkeeper who tried to find employment in Nottingham, Newcastle and Sunderland with English clubs is the newest acquisition of Galatasaray, the 10-time Turkish champion coached by former Scottish international Graeme Souness.
“It’s a great deal,” says agent Tim Harris, who worked the deal in conjunction with England-based agent Paul Stretford. “He gets to play on a great club, and the club is being very cooperative in releasing him for national team appearances.”
According to Harris, Friedel will be paid $860,000 over the next two years, plus bonuses, and the transfer fee paid to U.S. Soccer by Galatasaray was approximately $1.1 million. (U.S. Soccer officials say they will not keep any of the fee, which will go to Friedel and other parties.)
Friedel had been awaiting word on his application for a work permit to play for English First Division club Sunderland. Turned down twice before, he began to hear the same kind of empty assurances.
“It was just a waste to wait for a work permit again,” said Friedel, who had waited a month to hear about his permit to play for Sunderland. “There’s no way I could have gone to a club this size if I’d waited another two weeks, it was too good to pass up.”
Friedel also levied a few shots at Professional Footballers’ Association boss Gordon Taylor, who has criticized American players in the past. “He said he recommended approval to the DOE (Department of Employment],” said Friedel, “but sits on the fence while it was being evaluated.
“Then, when my work permit was at a critical stage, Gordon Taylor goes on holiday, and nobody knows what’s going on. They do what they want, it seems to me.”
Galatasaray, which sensationally knocked out Manchester United in the European Champions’ Cup two years ago, has recruited its sixth manager in as many seasons, and Souness brought in British imports Mike Marsh, Barry Venison, and Dean Saunders. Marsh, though, has already left the club and returned to England.
The goalkeeper position has been as volatile as that of the head coach:
Demirbas Heyrettin started every game of the 1993-94 season, and he and Lithuanian Gintaras Stauce shared duties last year. Balolgu Nezihi has been the starter this season, and so far, isn’t turning many heads.
“I think I’m supposed to play as the No. 1 keeper,” said Friedel. “I’ve only trained with the club for a few days. I’ve waited long enough.”
by Soccer America Senior Editor Ridge Mahoney