Former Besiktas director of football Onder Ozen has told a Turkish TV channel that Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic will be a West Ham player next season.
Ozen worked closely with Slaven Bilic when he was the Turkish club’s manager, and they reportedly struck up a good friendship. Mandzukic has been closely linked with both Besiktas and Galatasaray in recent weeks, but Ozen, now working as a commentator, told Tivibu Spor (quotes via star.com.tr) that he is certain the 30 year old will be joining the Hammers:
“Mandzukic will not be here [Juventus] at the end of the season, he will go to West Ham United.”
Whether Ozen has any inside knowledge or is just going off the rumours he is heard, it is not known. What we do know is that Mandzukic and Bilic will have a very good relationship. The West Ham boss gave the striker his international debut back in 2007, and he was a regular for Croatia under Bilic until he left the role in 2012.
Ozen was Director of football at Besiktas between 2013 and 2014, and was effectively Bilic’s right hand man for his first season managing the Turkish club. He left prior to Bilic’s second season in charge so it is not known if they are still stay in contact and talk about his work at West Ham.
