Fenerbahce eyes Ferdi Kadioglu return if Champions League place secured

Ferdi Kadioglu of Fenerbahce celebrating after scoring a goal during UEFA Europa Conference League group H match, in Istanbul, Türkiye. (AA Photo)

Ferdi Kadioglu of Fenerbahce celebrating after scoring a goal during UEFA Europa Conference League group H match, in Istanbul, Türkiye. (AA Photo)

Fenerbahce could make a move to bring former player Ferdi Kadioglu back from Brighton if the Istanbul club gets past Lyon and reaches the UEFA Champions League league phase, according to a report by A Spor.

The Turkish side drew 1-1 with Lyon in the first leg of their Champions League play-off tie and will now travel to France for the return fixture, with a place in the league phase at stake.

Ferdi Kadioglu (R) of Fenerbahce in action against Tiago Santos (L) of Lille during UEFA Champions League 3rd qualifying match between Lille and Fenerbahce, France on August 6, 2024. (AA Photo)

Champions League qualification could trigger transfer move

While preparations for the second leg continue, Fenerbahce has also been working on strengthening its squad after bringing in Romelu Lukaku and stepping up contacts for other positions.

According to A Spor, Kadioglu has emerged as a potential target for the left-back position, although the proposed move is tied to Fenerbahce knocking Lyon out and securing Champions League qualification.

The club would therefore look to bring back a player it sold to Brighton for €30 million in 2024.

Brighton's Turkish defender #24 Ferdi Kadioglu celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Chelsea at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, UK, April 21, 2026. (AFP Photo)