Excelsior strengthens in Germany and Austria: Osman Turay arrives from
According to Vi.
Context
Osman Turay, just 18 years old, is seen as one of German football's emerging talents, having passed through the academies of Schalke 04 and Bayer Leverkusen. His move to Eredivisie club Excelsior represents an opportunity for him to stand out in Dutch football and continue his development as a player. The contract until 2029 demonstrates Excelsior's confidence in its long-term potential.
Why this matters
The signing of Osman Turay by Excelsior is a significant step for the club, which is looking to strengthen its defense following the departure of Arthur Zagré. Turay, a promising left-back, brings with him experience from renowned academies in Germany, which could be crucial to the team's performance in the upcoming Eredivisie season. The addition of Valentin Sulzbacher also indicates a clear strategy by Excelsior to strengthen its squad with young talent.
Main conclusions
- Excelsior strengthens in Germany and Austria: Osman Turay arrives from.
- Excelsior announces Osman Turay, 18-year-old left-back from Bayer Leverkusen, and also confirms Valentin Sulzbacher, 21-year-old midfielder ex-Red Bull Salzburg.
- Excelsior pikt versterkingen op in Duitsland en Oostenrijk.
Excelsior has officially signed Osman Turay, a young 18-year-old left-back who arrives from Bayer Leverkusen, reinforcing a position left vacant after the departure of Arthur Zagré, who returned to FC Utrecht. The team from Kralingen, a neighborhood in Rotterdam, also announced, at the beginning of the week, the arrival of midfielder Valentin Sulzbacher, acquired from Red Bull Salzburg, in a double move that reinforces the squad for the new Eredivisie season.
Turay, considered one of German football's emerging talents, trained at Schalke 04 before joining Bayer Leverkusen's academy. In Rotterdam, he signed a contract valid until mid-2029, a long-term commitment that underlines Excelsior's commitment to its potential. Sporting director Mark Ruijl was satisfied with the operation, highlighting the new reinforcement's profile: "It's good that he chose Excelsior. Both in Germany and internationally, Osman is seen as a great talent. He consciously chose this sporting step."
Turay's arrival follows the departure of Arthur Zagré, who returned to FC Utrecht, forcing Excelsior to act quickly in the market to guarantee alternatives on the left side of the defense. With speed, room for progression and competitive habits acquired in the academies of two historic Germans, the young full-back offers the Rotterdam team immediate solutions and a medium-term perspective of evolution.
Also confirmed is the signing of Valentin Sulzbacher, a 21-year-old midfielder from Red Bull Salzburg. The player was fully convinced by the project presented by Excelsior and by the framework offered in conversations with the club's structure. "Actually, I didn't hesitate at all. I'm very happy to be here and I can't wait to get started", said the midfield reinforcement, making clear his enthusiasm for the Dutch challenge.
For Excelsior, these two operations reflect a defined strategy: looking for value and potential in competitive markets such as Germany and Austria, bringing young players to Rotterdam, with solid training and ambition to assert themselves in the Eredivisie. Turay and Sulzbacher add freshness to the squad and increase the coach's options in key sectors — the left back and the intermediate zone — at a stage in which the club adjusts the working group to the demands of the new calendar.
In a championship recognized for investing in the development of young talents, Excelsior is thus positioned to maintain competitiveness and growth margin. The quick replacement of Zagré and the reinforcement of the midfield with Sulzbacher show signs of an assertive market in Kralingen, focusing on the present without leaving aside the near future. Now, it is up to the reinforcements to integrate quickly and transform the trust placed into performance on the field.
What happens next
With the arrival of Turay and Sulzbacher, Excelsior are preparing for the new Eredivisie season, where they hope to improve their ranking. The integration of these young players into the squad will be fundamental for the coach, who must work to maximize the potential of both. The expectation is that Turay, in particular, will become a key player in the defense, offering quick and effective solutions on the left lane.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Excelsior recently?
Excelsior have officially signed Osman Turay from Bayer Leverkusen and Valentin Sulzbacher from Red Bull Salzburg.
Who confirmed the signings of Osman Turay and Valentin Sulzbacher?
Excelsior athletic director Mark Ruijl confirmed the signings.
Why did Excelsior sign Osman Turay now?
Turay's signing came after the departure of Arthur Zagré, who returned to FC Utrecht, forcing Excelsior to act quickly to reinforce the defense.
What changes has Excelsior made to your team?
Excelsior have strengthened their team with the arrival of Osman Turay and Valentin Sulzbacher, aiming to improve the squad for the new Eredivisie season.
How long is Osman Turay's contract with Excelsior?
Osman Turay signed a contract valid until mid-2029 with Excelsior.