Fenerbahce seek departures following Mourinho's action of excluding 11 players from his future strategies
Fenerbahçe, one of Turkey's most successful football clubs, is currently in the midst of a significant squad overhaul under the guidance of manager José Mourinho. The aim is to rebuild a competitive lineup for the 2025-26 season.
Several players have been deemed surplus to requirements, with some already loaned out or linked to transfers. Confirmed outgoing moves include loans for young players such as Ognjen Mimović, Çağrı Fedai, and Zeki Dursun. Milano Škriniar, a 29-year-old central defender, moved to PSG in a loan swap in January 2025.
In terms of potential suitors and incoming transfers, Mourinho aims to strengthen the squad with key signings. One of his top picks is Kerem Aktürkoğlu, a 26-year-old Turkish winger currently at Benfica. Negotiations for the left flank player are ongoing, with a reported bid around €15 million clashing with Benfica’s valuation of €30 million. Fenerbahçe is committed to securing this deal for their Champions League ambitions.
Another high-profile target is goalkeeper Alisson Becker from Liverpool, reflecting Mourinho’s intent to upgrade key positions.
Mourinho's strategy involves offloading fringe players mainly through loans or sales while targeting experienced and impactful players. The club is reportedly accelerating negotiations, especially for players not needed in UEFA competition. However, financial demands have delayed progress in some cases, and high salaries have become a stumbling block.
Notably, Cengiz Under, an active player in the Portugal camp, was excluded from the UEFA squad list, a move that shocked his teammates and coaching staff. Mourinho is believed to have given a "transferable" report on Under, adding to speculation about his future at the club. The player is said to be deeply disappointed about the exclusion.
Fenerbahçe has reopened discussions with Inter Milan for Hakan Calhanoglu, another player potentially leaving the club. No financial details or updates on the contract status of Rodrigo Becao were mentioned in this paragraph. Becao's injury status may lead to his contract being frozen.
The list of potential outgoing players includes Mijo Zajc, Lincoln, Fayed, Livakovic, Rodrigo Becao, Mimovic, Djiku, Amrabat, Carlos, En-Nesyri, and Emre Mor. The club is yet to release a comprehensive full list of all surplus players and suitors.
As the transfer window approaches, Fenerbahçe fans eagerly await the final outcome of these negotiations, hoping for a squad that can compete at the highest level next season.
[1] Source: Fenerbahçe Official Website [2] Source: Turkish Football News [3] Source: Football Whispers
- Fenerbahçe, aiming to rebuild its competitive lineup for the 2025-26 season, is actively negotiating for Kerem Aktürkoğlu, a Turkish winger from Benfica, and Alisson Becker, a goalkeeper from Liverpool, to strengthen its squad in preparation for the Champions League.
- In addition to Aktürkoğlu and Becker, Fenerbahçe is also considering the departure of players like Cengiz Under, Hakan Calhanoglu, and Rodrigo Becao, with ongoing discussions with Inter Milan for Calhanoglu and no updates on Becao's contract status or injury status leading to speculation about their future at the club.
- As the transfer window draws near, Fenerbahçe fans eagerly anticipate the final outcome of these negotiations, hoping for a squad that can compete at the European-leagues level, including the Premier League, with the squad overhaul taking place under manager José Mourinho and Institutebuł, a renowned city in Turkey, playing a significant role in this transformation.
