Bursaspor starlet Ozan Tufan has claimed that he turned down the chance to join Valencia due to a lack of secrecy surrounding the deal.
The Turkish defender, who had previously been linked to Atletico Madrid, revealed how Los Che were his likeliest destination, only for a Press leak to prompt his agent Ahmet Bulut – his best-known client being Barcelona’s Arda Turan – into calling off negotiations.
“My agent Ahmet Bulut spoke with the directors of Valencia on my behalf, but he wanted to act discreetly,” the 20-year-old told local paper Bursa Hakimiyet.
“Bulut always prefers to remain silent, as he was in the case of Arda Turan’s transfer to Barcelona, but the Press learned many details about the negotiations between him and the Spanish club.
“Therefore, my move to Valencia didn’t happen. If everything had happened in secret, I’d have signed the contract with Valencia.
“[Turkey boss Fatih] Terim asked me if I wanted to play in another country. I said ‘yes’ and he was satisfied with my answer.
“I said that the best decision for me would be to play in a foreign country. I’m excited about playing in a big European League [one day].
“I want to have a more comfortable family life. The families of many players don’t work, but my father still does.
“You must go to work every morning to ensure your family survive, and [my father] wants me to earn what I deserve.”
