Colin Kazim-Richards on brink of joining Corinthians — 12th transfer for English-born former Turkey international who is just 30
COLIN KAZIM-RICHARDS is having a medical at Corinthians, after the Brazilian giants agreed a deal with Coritiba.
The much-travelled English-born former Turkey international has enjoyed a new lease of life in South America, after moving from Celtic in the summer.
Once the medical is completed, Kazim-Richards will sign a two-year contract and form a strike partnership with another former Premier League 'ace'.
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Corinthians boss, Fabio Carille said: “We can play Jo and Kazim in attack.”
‘The Coca-Cola Kid’ — who earned the nickname because his £250,000 move to Brighton at the age of 18 was funded by a fan who won the money in a competition by the popular drinks company — will complete the 12th move of his entire career.
And Corinthians will become the 11th club in his seventh different continent, despite being just 30.
Kazim-Richards was born in London, but qualified to play for Turkey through his mother’s heritage.
He started his career at Bury and came to the fore at Brighton.
His impressive performances at Bramall Lane — coupled with the Blades’ relegation — saw him make a big move to Turkish giants Fenerbahce after just one season.
And he even scored in a Champions League quarter-final clash with Chelsea.
Kazim-Richards’ stock grew when that summer, as he was one of the stars as Turkey were shock semi-finalists at Euro 2008.
However, problems off the field saw him loaned to Toulouse before he made the move across Istanbul to Galatasaray — and then scored against his former side.
Following a failed trial with West Ham, he joined Blackburn in 2012, and netted the winner as the Championship side knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup with a shock win at the Emirates.
But more issues off the field saw him return to Turkey with Bursaspor.
He failed to score a single league goal and was shipped out on loan to Feyenoord after just one season.
Kazim-Richards impressed in Holland and his move was made permanent.
But his time was again cut short following problems off the field, and he signed for Celtic in February 2016.
Despite an underwhelming five months in Glasgow, he earned a move to Brazil side Coritiba — and netted on his debut.