Lukas Podolski

Spor Toto Turkish Super League defending champion Beşiktaş defeated archrival Galatasaray 1-0 in a tight derby game late on Feb. 27 to give it a giant step toward a second consecutive championship.

Germany's former star striker Lukas Podolski has agreed a move from Turkish giant Galatasaray to Vissel Kobe of Japan, according to media reports.

Hürriyet daily said on Feb. 15 that Podolski had agreed a three year deal with the J1 side worth 15 million euros ($15.8 million) and Istanbul side Galatasaray would receive a transfer fee of 2.7 million euros ($2.85 million).

Galatasaray captured the Ziraat Turkish Cup late May 26, defeating city archrival Fenerbahçe 1-0 in the southern province of Antalya.

German forward Lukas Podolski provided the Lions with the game winner, scoring the only goal of the final in the 30th minute. The German international was also voted Man of the Match.        

Galatasaray's German forward, Lukas Podolski, is considering leaving Turkey following March 13's terrorist attack in Ankara, which left at least 37 dead.

Podolski, who moved to the Istanbul-based club from Arsenal on a three-year contract last summer, told German daily Bild that he is now considering leaving Turkey given the political situation in the country.

Galatasaray rebounded after conceding an early goal to beat Benfica with two first-half strikes on Oct. 21, reviving its Champions League hopes in Group C after a disappointing start to the campaign. 

The victory ended Galatasaray's 10-game winless streak in the Champions League.

Multi-million dollar stars failed to save Be?ikta?, Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray, the three main title contenders in the Turkish Super League, from the hands of their rather moderate rivals, with Galatasaray, the defending champions, bowing to a new member of the league, Osmanl?spor, in a home game. 

Spor Toto Super League title hopefuls Be?ikta? and Fenerbahçe have had winning starts to the season, while defending champion Galatasaray was forced to settle for a draw.

Fiorentina?s German international Mario Gomez has become the latest world star to set up shop in the Turkish Super League after signing a two-year loan deal with Istanbul?s Be?ikta?.

The German international?s arrival follows that of other well-known players in the league, including Ricardo Quaresma, Robin Van Persie, Nani, Lukas Podolski and Sameul Eto?o.

Hours after Galatasaray signed Lukas Podolski, its chairman has said the Turkish football giant?s next targets could be Lionel Messi and Neymar to compete with rival Fenerbahçe?s recent signing of Nani and reported agreement in principle with Robin Van Persie.

Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey scored a contender for goal of the season when he blasted home a 30-meter volley to help his team cruise past Galatasaray 4-1 to finish second in Champions League Group D on Dec. 9.