Fenerbahçe Pushes to Finalize Kerem Aktürkoğlu Deal with Benfica

Fenerbahçe is confident about signing Turkish winger Kerem Aktürkoğlu from Benfica. Negotiations have been tough, but both clubs are working hard to finish the deal before the transfer deadline.

WHAT IS THE CURRENT SITUATION?

Fenerbahçe has an agreement with Kerem Aktürkoğlu, who will earn up to €4.5 million per year for four or five years, including bonuses. However, Benfica wants a high transfer fee, reportedly between €20 million and €25 million. They paid €12 million for Aktürkoğlu less than a year ago. Now, reports say Benfica and Fenerbahçe are discussing a package of about 22-25 million euros, including bonuses.

Fenerbahçe recently updated their offer to match Benfica’s demands. However, Benfica wants to keep the winger for their crucial Champions League Play-Off tie against Fenerbahce, although the player wouldn’t be able to play for the Turkish team if he had finalized his transfer. Kerem wants to join Fenerbahçe and even missed a recent training session due to “injury”. Despite this, he wasn’t included in the squad for Benfica’s Play-Off match, suggesting the move is very close.

WHY DOES THIS TRANSFER MATTER?

Kerem Aktürkoğlu had a promising first season with Benfica, recording 10 goals and 8 assists in the Primeira Liga, but has fallen out of favor recently. Fenerbahçe’s new manager, Jose Mourinho, views Aktürkoğlu as essential for improving the squad’s Super Lig and Champions League chances. Mourinho sees the winger as a key summer signing to strengthen the left wing.

Fenerbahçe finished as runners-up last season, just behind their rivals Galatasaray. They believe Aktürkoğlu, a former Galatasaray player, can help them win back the title and succeed further in Europe. The transfer saga features important negotiations and a player eager to return to Turkey, raising the stakes as both clubs aim to meet their season objectives.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Talks are progressing, and all parties want to resolve the situation soon. Fenerbahçe aims to finalize the deal in the coming days. The club faces a challenging schedule, with the Super Lig opening fixture against last season’s fourth-place finishers Sivasspor just days away.

Signing Aktürkoğlu would likely enhance their attack for these critical domestic and potential Champions League qualifiers. Benfica, meanwhile, need to balance their squad for the Play-Off campaign with the financial benefits of a big transfer fee. The focus will be on how quickly the deal concludes and whether Aktürkoğlu can make his Fenerbahçe debut before the end of August.