Report: Eric Ayuk finalizing deal with club in Turkey

Philadelphia Union winger Eric Ayuk is reportedly close to finalizing a deal with Turkish club Trabzonspor.

The website NTV reported Sunday night that the 21-year-old from Cameroon had arrived in Trabzon, where he was expected to sign a contract after holding final negotiations.

Ayuk last made a first team appearance for the Union in October 2016 and after spending last season on loan in Sweden has made just four appearances for Bethlehem Steel, most recently in April. He scored a goal in the Steel’s season opener but played at right back in other starts this season.

The Cameroonian youth international was initially acquired on loan in March 2015, but after making 28 appearances as an 18-year-old in his first year with the club never could quite break into the starting XI again. He had a pair of goals and two assists in his first season and has played 21 times for Steel FC, collecting four goals and an assist.

Trabzonspor finished fifth in the top flight last season, but has won the Turkish Super League six times, the Turkish Cup eight times and the Turkish Super Cup eight times.

If Ayuk is indeed going to Turkey, his departure will open up an international slot on the first team roster. The Union currently have all seven of their international spots filled; the eighth spot was traded to NYCFC (until December 31) for $175,000 in general allocation money back in February

Matthew Ralph

Matthew Ralph is the managing editor of Philadelphia Soccer Now. He's covered soccer at all levels for a decade in the Philadelphia region and has also written for TheCup.us, NPSL, PrepSoccer and other publications. He lives with his wife and two young children in Broomall, Pa., but grew up in South Jersey and is originally from Kansas.

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