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Fenerbahce is close to completing the high-profile signing of Turkish international Kerem Akturkoglu from Portuguese side Benfica, following a direct request from head coach Jose Mourinho.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Mourinho urged the club to “get it done,” prompting Fenerbahce President Ali Koc to initiate transfer talks. Substantial progress was made during meetings held late Sunday night.
Board member Hakan Safi has traveled to Portugal to finalize the transfer. Fenerbahce is expected to pay €25 million ($28,90 million) for the winger, who is set to earn a salary of approximately €4.5 to €5 million per season.
Akturkoglu had joined Benfica from Galatasaray in 2024 for €12 million. If this move is finalized, Galatasaray is set to receive 10% of the profit due to a previously agreed sell-on clause.
Well-known journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu, who is close to Fenerbahce sources, reported that the club has already agreed on personal terms with the player. A private jet was sent to Lisbon on Monday in preparation for the player’s expected arrival in Türkiye.
https://x.com/yagosabuncuoglu/status/1952097150822707480
Although Akturkoglu previously referred to Galatasaray as his “home,” the 25-year-old is known to come from a Fenerbahce-supporting family.
"Galatasaray is my home, my nest. One may leave their home but never forget it," he once said.
His move back to Türkiye now appears set to be in the colors of his childhood club.
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