'Need to pay their debts' - Why Portsmouth's reported £1m move for international midfielder Jesper Ceesay could be fast-tracked
Pompey have been linked with a move for Gambia international Jesper Ceesay, who made 33 appearances for Antalyaspor in last season’s Süper Lig.
Pompey’s reported interest in Antalyaspor midfielder Jesper Ceesay has the potential to be fast-tracked.
The Turkish side are experiencing financial difficulties, which culminated in their relegation from the Süper Lig last season, and need to sell before a FIFA-imposed transfer ban can be lifted.
The Antalya Stadium outfit, who are keen to rebuild their squad. are presently operating under a transfer embargo for unpaid debts to former players and clubs they have had transfer dealings with.
That includes Ceesay’s former club IFK Norrkoping, who are still owed money from his €447,000 transfer to the Mediterranean-based outfit last August.
The first installment of that fee has been received by the Swedish Superettan side However, the non-payment of the next remittance led to Norrkoping filing a complaint with FIFA about Antalyaspor.
It’s understood that Antalyaspor currently has 15 cases against them that still need to be resolved. It’s estimated that €3m is needed to settle these outstanding matters and convince FIFA to lift their sanction.
With Pompey and Saudi Pro League side Al-Fateh reportedly submitting offers of around €1m for Gambia international Ceesay, Antalyaspor stand to double their money on the player and ease the financial pressures they are under.
However, according to Expressen - the Swedish media outlet that broke news of the Blues’ interest in Ceesay - negotiations with the Turkish second-tier side remain ongoing.
‘We are waiting for their response’
Norrkoping sporting director André Skagervik is someone Pompey could thank if they successfully negotiate a settlement with Antalyaspor for Cessay in the coming days.
It was he who lodged the latest complaint about the club with FIFA’s legal unit.
Skagervik said earlier this month: ‘The installment for Jesper Ceesay's transfer has still not been paid. We sent a reminder to Antalyaspor and assume the payment will be made in the short term.
‘In addition, as per normal procedure, we have also opened a file with FIFA's legal unit.
‘The payment was supposed to have been made a few months ago. To date, we have received no explanation from Antalyaspor. We sent another reminder and hope they will respond to it.
‘After sending the reminder and receiving no response, we proceed to apply to FIFA as per the process. The file goes to their review, and then we get a response back.
‘Antalyaspor has a transfer ban. If they want to lift this ban, we believe they need to pay their debts. FIFA will advance the process as usual. Right now, the ball is in Antalyaspor's court; we are waiting for their response.’
Twenty-four-year-old Ceesay is the latest midfielder to be linked with a move to Fratton Park as Pompey look to bolster their engine room options ahead of their latest season in the Championship.
After failing to land Gibson Yah from Volendam. the Blues have been linked with a £1.3m move for Mate Tubuly, while free-agent Archie Collins has also been mentioned.
According to head coach John Mousinho, there’s no truth to the links with Collins.
A deal for Estonia international midfielder Rocco Shein, however, is progressing.
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