Galatasaray, one of our Champions League Group A opponents, strengthened their squad before the close of the Turkish transfer deadline.
The Istanbul giants, who have a decent record against the Reds, with only two defeats in the six meetings, made a stunning summer acquisition in the shape of our former winger Wilfried Zaha.
The Ivory Coast international was a free agent when his Crystal Palace contract expired and, despite competition for his services, Gala won the race for his signature and he played in the qualifying win over Olimpija. Although Zaha made his Super Lig debut against Kayserispor last month, he has missed the last two games due to injury.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka will be hoping Zaha lines up against him after their compelling battles in the past. The pair were colleagues at Palace and the winger praised our in-form defender after a last-ditch challenge preserved a point on our most recent trip to Selhurst Park.
Galatasaray also added two players from Tottenham this week. Colombia international Davinson Sanchez and French midfielder Tanguy Ndombele both sealed moves to Okan Buruk’s side.
Defender Sanchez’s switch is permanent, while Ndombele is on loan with an option to buy.
There is a wealth of other experience in Galatasaray’s impressive squad.
Goalkeeper Fernando Muslera has proved his qualities with Uruguay at the highest level, while full-back Angelino, a former Manchester City man, has a Champions League goal against United to his name, while with parent club RB Leipzig.
In attack, Argentina’s Mauro Icardi and Belgium forward Dries Mertens will carry a huge amount of threat, while Hakim Ziyech, who shone at Ajax under Erik ten Hag, is another of the new arrivals, having joined on loan from Chelsea.
One player we won’t be facing, though, is former favourite Juan Mata, after he left to join Vissel Kobe in Japan.
Our first clash with Gala is at home on 3 October, before a trip to Turkey on 29 November.
