On Sunday, Mersin İdmanyurdu new signing Raheem Lawal made his Super League debut in the 0-1 loss to Fenerbahçe , coming on as a second half replacement for Emmanuel Culio.

The ex 36 Lion midfielder was close to joining another Super League club Istanbul BB in the January transfer market. However, negotiations hit a snag on details of the terms.

''During talks, Istanbul BB did not meet my personal terms. Shortly after, I got an offer from Mersin İdmanyurdu,'' says Lawal to allnigeriasoccer.com.

Speaking on his debut in the 21st round of matches, he said: ''Of course I am disappointed that we lost in my first game as I and my teammates had a good game but were unfortunate. I am happy playing in the Super League.''

Mersin İdmanyurdu's bank balance will be reduced by 400, 000 euros being transfer fee paid to Adana Demirspor for Lawal's signature. To meet Lawal's valuation, two fringe players were used as makeweight in the deal to bring the Nigeria international to the Red Devils.

Raheem Lawal has been handed the number 88 jersey for the remainder of this season.