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Dutch defender Jayden Oosterwolde bid farewell to Fenerbahce on Monday as he reached a preliminary agreement with Italian side Roma for a reported €20 million ($23.1 million) transfer.
The player is expected to join the Italian side on loan, with the deal including an option to buy for around €18 million, which could become mandatory if certain conditions are met, Italian sports journalist Fabrizio Romano reported.
"There is not much to say. I had a wonderful time at Fenerbahce. I am sad to leave," Oosterwolde told reporters at the airport, confirming his departure.
The defender explained that Fenerbahce had already decided he would leave before the opportunity to join Roma arose. "Now I have taken a new step, and I am happy that the opportunity to join Roma came my way," Oosterwolde said.
He also expressed hope that Fenerbahce would eliminate Lyon in the Champions League, opening the possibility of facing his former club later in the competition with his new team, Roma.
"I hope Fenerbahce beats Lyon and we meet again in the Champions League. I love the Fenerbahce fans. Keep supporting the team," he added.
Fenerbahce drew Lyon 1-1 in the first leg on Aug. 18, with the second leg scheduled for Aug. 26 in France. The winner will advance to the 2026-27 Champions League league phase, while the loser will drop into the Europa League.
Oosterwolde's departure comes as Fenerbahce manages a crowded foreign-player group under the Turkish Super League's 10+4 rule. For the 2026-27 season, clubs can register up to 14 foreign players on their first-team lists, but if all 14 spots are used, at least four players must have been born on or after Jan. 1, 2003.
The squad pressure was already evident last week, when Fenerbahce left its Brazilian attacking midfielder Anderson Talisca out of its league matchday squad against Konyaspor because 11 foreign players were available for 10 places under the rule.
The club also noted that Talisca was being rested as part of its planning ahead of the Champions League return against Lyon.
Oosterwolde's exit therefore gives Fenerbahce another foreign-player spot as it works to balance its squad under the league's registration rules.
The 25-year-old made 112 appearances for Fenerbahce, scoring three goals and providing one assist. He also won one Turkish Cup and one Turkish Super Cup during his time with the club.
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