From a basic point of view it seems that Galatasaray have done rather well in signing a 29 year old European Cup winning international star with a decade's experience of playing at the top level in one of Europe's toughest leagues. Add in the fact that Harry Kewell was available on a free transfer from Liverpool and the Turks look to have really bagged themselves a bargain. Dig a deeper and the truth isn't quite as rosy however.

Liverpool fans will hardly mourn the loss of the "Wizard of Oz" even on a free transfer after being treated to only sporadic glimpses of Kewell in their famous red shirt since he signed under controversial circumstances in 2005. Having taken advantage of Leeds United's perilous financial situation to make a cut price switch to Anfield while he and his agent pocketed a large signing on fee, Kewell didn't exactly endear himself to the Elland Road faithful and now, having signed for Galatasaray, he has defecated in the Leeds nest to an even larger degree.

Kewell was playing for Leeds back in 2000 when two Leeds fans were stabbed to death in Turkey before the UEFA Cup semi final between Leeds and Galatasaray and really should have anticipated the storm of disapproval from his old club's fans before reaching for the Turkish lira being offered. Gala meanwhile shouldn't disregard the player's questionable fitness record over the past three years and the feeling that one gets of a player more content to go through the motions than sweat blood for any club's cause.

The transfer ultimately is a gamble for both sides and there is no guarantee that either side will hit the jackpot before it's over. Fans of both Liverpool and Leeds United can testify to that.