A new striker target has emerged for Fenerbahçe, with the club now linked to Kelechi Iheanacho. Our analysis of the past seven days shows the club has been tied to three possible arrivals and three potential exits. While the hottest storyline right now is about Yasin Ayari, the items below are the latest news on the most important transfer rumours surrounding the club.
Kelechi Iheanacho
On Saturday, it was reported that Kelechi Iheanacho could move from Bursaspor to Fenerbahçe in January in a high-value transfer. The Nigerian international has scored 16 goals in 12 starts. Bursaspor president Enes Celik admitted they could sell the player, stating he would prefer the player to stay but would consider any exceptionally high offers. Celik also added that Iheanacho does not want to leave.
Romelu Lukaku
Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku, 33, decided he wants to leave Fenerbahçe in January, according to a report on Friday. This decision followed a period where he was mostly a substitute and was criticized by the Turkish press. The striker is seeking a club with a healthy and ambitious sporting project where he can get more playing time. New York City and Atlanta United from the MLS are reportedly interested, and AS Monaco is also observing the situation. Everton is considered a significant candidate for his transfer, as Lukaku wants to return to the Premier League. His high salary in Turkey is the main impediment for any interested club, and a transfer would require him to accept a salary reduction.
Marco Asensio
According to Sabah on Friday, Fenerbahce decided to end its association with Marco Asensio during the January transfer window to free up a slot for a foreign player. This came after the club was unable to transfer him at the start of the season due to pressure from fans. Following this decision, Spanish clubs Real Betis and Real Mallorca have initiated action for Asensio. The club's management will transfer the player in January to whichever of the two clubs submits the highest offer. A report from Fichajes on Tuesday stated that Real Betis has taken steps to add the Spanish player to their squad and is closely monitoring his situation.
Oğuz Aydın
Aston Villa are reportedly considering a January move for Fenerbahce winger Oguz Aydin, as of Wednesday. An NTV report states that Villa's interest increased after they sent a delegation to watch him and held talks with Fenerbahce and his representatives. The club has made initial enquiries about the terms of a potential transfer and has not ruled out making an offer in January. On Tuesday, NTV also reported that Aston Villa sent a delegation to watch Aydin play for Fenerbahce against Galatasaray.
Yasin Ayari
According to Team Talk on Tuesday, Fenerbahçe are interested in a potential move for Yasin Ayari, have made approaches, and are continuing to monitor the player ahead of the January window. Sixteen days ago, Fanatik reported that the Swedish footballer is receptive to a change in his career and that Fenerbahçe were continuing discussions with his agent for the transfer. It was also stated that the 23-year-old player reportedly did not give a positive response to a contract extension offer from his English club and was consequently excluded from the squad.
Matvey Kislyak
On Monday, Aleksandr Manyakov, Matvey Kislyak's agent, stated that they are in contact with Fenerbahçe concerning a potential transfer. Manyakov emphasised that only official offers are being considered and that there is increasing interest in the player. The agent said they are in contact with all four of Turkey's major clubs. It is reported that Kislyak wants to continue his career in Europe, and the CSKA Moscow management is positively disposed towards his desire to play in a European league. The possibility of Kislyak departing from the club in the January transfer window was also mentioned.
For all the latest news, check out the Fenerbahçe club page.
