Prospect: Oğuzhan Özyakup

Colonel Ronan · Jan 24, 2009

YoungGuns.com said:

Arsenal have signed 15 year old Oguzhan Özyakup from Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar, on a five year contract according to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.

The Holland Under 17s International who is of Turkish descent, is rated as one of the biggest prospects in world football, and last night AZ accepted a substantial offer from the Gunners after interest from Ajax, Barcelona and Inter Milan for his services.

The terms are two year scholarship with the option of a further three years as a professional, however he will not link up with the squad until he turns 16 in September 2008. In a similar way to Spanish defender Ignasi Miquel.

Özyakup is a highly technical central or right sided midfielder, excellent on set pieces and blessed with an eye for a pass, and shows another excellent find by Steve Rowley’s much coveted Scouting system.

AZ were keen to hang on to Oguzhan, but Arsenal’s offer was too lucrative to turn down. It is expected he will travel to London before the week is out, to visit his new housing as well as meet the coaching staff and arrange schooling.
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The Arsenal youth team just beat Southampton 5-3 and Oğuzhan Özyakup scored a brace. I had never heard of him before so I thought I'd do a little research. This is what I found! Very interesting! I can't wait to see him in a few years time. Bare in mind that this article is almost a year old.

Colonel Ronan · Jan 24, 2009

YoungGuns.com said:

Arsenal completed the signing of Dutch midfielder Oğuzhan Özyakup in April 2008 - in a deal which Young Guns announced first.

Dutch born but of Turkish descent, Oğuzhan is a creative and highly technical central midfielder who can also play on the wings. Blessed with a superb passing range and ability to crop up in the right place to score goals, his talents add up to a lethal combination for opposition.

After coming through the Youth ranks at local club AZ Alkmaar, he was quickly promoted to the club’s Reserves side aged just 15. During this time coach Louis van Gaal became a huge admirer of the wonder kid, and invited Özyakup to train with the first team on various occasions.

Soon International honors beckoned, scoring on his Under 15’s debut against Ireland. He surprised many by featuring in the Dutch 17s squad recently, despite being only 15, meaning he had been promoted a year early.
Many AZ fans have made comparisons to Cesc Fabregas and Zinedine Zidane - Arsenal fans will hope he can live up to that potential.

However, in late 2007 it emerged Oğuzhan had turned down a scholarship contract, and was made aware sides such as FC Barcelona, Ajax and Inter Milan were keen to tempt him away. Arsenal stepped up their scouting of him, and in late April faxed a offer described as “lucrative”, and a deal was quickly agreed.

Oğuzhan penned a two year scholarship contract, with the option of a further three years as a professional, showing Arsenal we willing to meet his ambitions and value his talents. He then travelled to London to meet the Gunners coaching staff, and arrange his schooling situation.

Özyakup joined the Gunners for pre-season training, but did not feature in any of the friendlies.
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Name: Oğuzhan Özyakup
Nickname: ‘Ozzie’
Age: 16
Nationality: Dutch (Turkish Descent)
International: Yes (Under 16/17)
Position: Right Midfield/Centre Midfield
Height: 178cm
Previous Clubs: AZ Alkmaar
Contract: Scholarship
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Colonel Ronan · Jan 25, 2009

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