Goran Pandev was a surprise name to depart Italian football just days before the transfer deadline day after he joined Galatasaray. The Napoli striker did not reportedly figure in the plans of manager Rafa Benitez for the upcoming season. He has been sold for £ 3.5 million while Napoli have also received defender Umit Gundogan as part of the deal. Napoli will consider this is a great business considering that the 31-year-old is coming to the end of his career. Pandev played a crucial role in the Napoli under Walter Mazzarri, as he helped them get back into the Champions League.
His importance was diminished last season after the arrival of Higuain for around £ 35 million from Real Madrid. Higuain was often the preferred first choice striker for Napoli last season. This meant that Pandev was limited only to 29 appearances throughout the season. He only managed to complete the full 90 minutes twice. After agreeing the move to Galatasaray, Pandev’s agent has claimed that Benitez was not a manager fit for the Italian league since he does not know how to deal with the players on a personal level.
The Spaniard has often been criticised for failing to establish a personal relationship with the players. Last season, he oversaw Napoli struggle to finish in the third place despite a good start to the campaign. “Benitez isn’t a good fit for Italian league, he doesn’t know how to give a team a soul & spirit,” said Pandev’s agent after his client sealed a move to Galatasaray. The Turkish club are now managed by former Italy boss Cesare Prandelli. After failing to win the league title last season, Galatasaray will be hoping to overthrow Fenerbahce’s reign at the top of the table. After losing Didier Drogba in the summer, Pandev will be a welcome arrival at Galatasaray.