Wesley Sneijder completes switch to Galatasaray

Netherlands international had been linked with a host of Premier League clubs

The long running transfer saga involving Wesley Sneijder is finally at an end after it was announced the Netherlands international has officially joined Galatasaray.

The Dutchman's future has been under speculation for months since he was frozen out of the Inter Milan set-up.

Despite helping the Italian side to an historic treble in 2010, the club grew frustrated when Sneijder refused to take a pay cut and he had not played for the first team since September.

It was understood that a host of Premier League teams were monitoring the 28-year-old playmaker's situation, most notably Liverpool and Tottenham. Arsenal and Manchester United were also rumoured to be showing interest.

However, Sneijder has now joined Turkish side Galatasaray after completing a medical earlier today.

A Galatasaray statement earlier this week read: “The transfer of Wesley Sneijder from Inter Milan has been agreed.

“The conditions of the deal will be made public and the player will sign the contract after health checks.”

The player, who recently said he would not be rushed into making a decision over his future, says he will be ready to hit the ground running.

“I am very happy with my agreement with Galatasaray," he said.

“I can’t wait to wear the Galatasaray shirt. I know that Turkish people are very passionate about football.

“I feel in good shape and hope to already play in the next match against Besiktas. I heard a lot about Coach Fatih Terim and know his career in Italy well. It will be good to work together.

“Turkish? I hope to learn it soon.”

The fee is understood to be in the region of £8m with the Dutchman signing a three-and-a-half year contract.