Ex-Sunderland defender Alim Ozturk secures new club as Peterborough co-owner reacts to streaming price
Former Sunderland defender Alim Ozturk has signed for Turkish side Umraniyespor.
The 27-year-old left Wearside this summer, the centre-back was not offered a new deal after two seasons with Sunderland.
Ozturk has now signed for second division Umraniyespor, based in Umraniye, Istanbul.
Speaking exclusively to the Echo in June, Ozturk reflected on his own Sunderland frustrations.
“When I came to the club, it was to get promoted,” he tells The Echo.
“We didn’t manage to do that so it feels as if my job there isn’t done, if you know what I mean.
“I wish I could finish it, but it’s been decided that I’m going to leave.
“I wanted to bring the club back to where it belongs, because it’s too big to be in League One.”
Meanwhile, Peterborough United co-owner Darragh MacAnthony believes the iFollow streaming fee of £10 per match for non-season ticket holders is too cheap.
The EFL announced plans to stream games being played behind-closed-doors after reaching a temporary agreement with Sky Sports.
“Season ticket holders will be given codes for iFollow,” MacAnthony told his ‘Hard Truth’ podcast.
“It’s £10 a go for other fans which is too cheap in my opinion, especially when three or more people are sitting in the same room watching the same stream.
“I would also urge our fans to sign in to games through our stream as there is a 70-30 split in terms of the money generated.
“Sunderland’s 30,000 fans will still generate a decent sum. Our fans are loyal, but there obviously aren’t that many of them.”