Fenerbahce's ambitious acquisition of Kerem Aktürkoğlu rides on significant risks
Fenerbahçe and Portuguese powerhouse Benfica are currently locked in intense negotiations over the transfer of Kerem Aktürkoğlu, a highly-rated Turkish international. The deal, if completed, could significantly strengthen Fenerbahçe's squad as they aim for Champions League success, while potentially resulting in a sizable financial gain for Benfica, albeit a sporting loss on their wings.
Benfica has set a non-negotiable transfer fee of €25 million for Aktürkoğlu, a sum that Fenerbahçe is reportedly willing to pay. According to sources, Fenerbahçe has agreed personal terms with Aktürkoğlu, offering a four-year contract worth around €7 million annually, including bonuses. The contract could potentially be extended for an additional year.
However, the transfer talks are complicated by Benfica's reluctance to let Aktürkoğlu leave before their Champions League qualifying matches. Moreover, the Portuguese club is in need of wing replacements, given the long-term injury of Bruma.
To finalize the deal, Fenerbahçe has sent a high-level delegation, including their president, to Lisbon. In addition, a private jet has been prepared to bring Aktürkoglu to Istanbul once the agreement is reached.
For Fenerbahçe, this transfer could be the final flourish in a transformative summer transfer window, following the signings of Jhon Duran, Archie Brown, Tarık Cetin, Milan Skriniar, and Nelson Semedo.
If the deal goes through, Aktürkoglu would join a prestigious list of players who have donned the Fenerbahçe jersey, contributing to the club's ambitions in the Champions League. For Benfica, the sale represents a financial gain, but it could be a sporting risk, especially with Bruma injured long-term.
Galatasaray, the Turkish club from which Aktürkoglu was initially bought by Benfica for €12 million, will also financially benefit due to their profit-sharing clause.
The transfer saga has been a hot topic in Turkish media, with reports suggesting hesitancy on Aktürkoglu's end about returning to the Süper Lig. Other reports claim that Aktürkoglu is fully on board with the move to Fenerbahçe.
Meanwhile, Besiktas has entered the race for Aktürkoglu with a €25 million package, banking on his friendship with Orkun Kökçü. However, Benfica may settle on a lower fee if they manage to sign Feyenoord's Anis Hadji Moussa.
Aktürkoglu has scored 46 goals and provided 42 assists for Galatasaray and 16 goals and 13 assists for Benfica. He has 44 caps and 12 goals for the Turkish national team and has a market value of €24 million.
The transfer, if completed, could have a profound impact on both clubs' sporting and financial trajectories, making it one of the biggest negotiations in the summer 2025 transfer window. However, Benfica may be reluctant to finalize any sale before their Champions League qualifiers against Nice.
- The proposed transfer of Kerem Aktürkoğlu from Benfica to Fenerbahçe could potentially see him join the ranks of prominent players who have represented Fenerbahçe, contributing to their Champions League aspirations.
- Fenerbahçe is currently in negotiations with Benfica over the transfer of Aktürkoğlu, with the Turkish club considering a move to Europe's elite competition, the Champions League, as their primary motivation.
- Despite Galatasaray and Besiktas showing interest in Aktürkoğlu, it appears he may be heading to Istanbul to join Fenerbahçe, provided negotiations with Benfica are successfully concluded.
