Football player Kerem Aktürkoğlu preparing for restart in Süper Lig with Fenerbahçe transfer
Kerem Aktürkoğlu's transfer from Benfica to Fenerbahçe is shaping up to be one of the most significant moves in Turkish football this summer. The 26-year-old Turkish winger, renowned for his agility, sharp vision, and ability to slice through defenses, is expected to join Fenerbahçe on a lucrative four-year contract, worth around 5 million euros annually.
Aktürkoğlu first rose to prominence with Galatasaray before moving to Benfica in 2024 for 12 million euros. During his time at Benfica, he played in 59 matches, scoring 18 goals and providing 16 assists. However, it is reported that he fell out of favor with the coaching staff.
Fenerbahçe is eager to bring him back to the Süper Lig to bolster their attack, aiming for domestic success and a strong European campaign in the 2025-26 season. The club views him as a key reinforcement, particularly on the left flank, where coach José Mourinho favored him at Benfica.
The transfer negotiations, however, have encountered difficulties. Benfica initially valued Aktürkoğlu at around 60 million euros but was willing to consider bids nearer 30 million euros. Fenerbahçe, on the other hand, offered about 15 to 25 million euros during negotiations. This disparity caused Benfica to reject Fenerbahçe's bids multiple times, especially given Benfica’s lack of a replacement for sidelined player Bruma and the player's ongoing Champions League involvement.
Despite these complications, personal terms between Aktürkoğlu and Fenerbahçe appear to be settled. If completed, the transfer would mark a major coup for Fenerbahçe, potentially shifting the balance of power in Turkish football and enhancing Fenerbahçe's competitiveness in European tournaments for the 2025-26 season. Meanwhile, Benfica risks losing a versatile attacker without a ready replacement, which could affect their squad depth and performance.
The transfer saga has been one of the most watched in European and Turkish football this summer, reflecting the high stakes and intense rivalry involved. As of late August 2025, negotiations are in the final stages, and it is rumoured that Aktürkoğlu could arrive in Istanbul as early as Wednesday.
[1] The Guardian
[2] ESPN
[3] BBC Sport
[4] Sport Witness
- The transfer of Kerem Aktürkoğlu from Fenerbahçe to Galatasaray could potentially see a shift in power dynamics within the Turkish football environment.
- In the upcoming European football season, clubs in Europe, including those in Spain and England, are eagerly watching the transfer saga between Fenerbahçe and Aktürkoğlu, with speculation suggesting he could bolster their attacks.
- European leagues may see increased competition in defense next season, as Fenerbahçe, strengthened by the acquisition of Aktürkoğlu, aims to limit opposing teams' attacks and secure more victories in respective domestic and European football tournaments.
