Istanbul's football clubs active during the transfer window deadline
In a historic move, Turkish football giants Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe have set a new spending record during the September 2 transfer deadline for the summer season. This transfer activity, which involved both incoming and outgoing players, could potentially impact the outcome of the Süper Lig season.
Galatasaray made a significant purchase by signing former Manchester City player İlkay Gündoğan on a two-year deal, with no details provided about the transfer fee. The club also agreed to a record-breaking deal for Uğurcan Çakır, making him the most expensive Turkish player ever. Çakır joined Galatasaray from Trabzonspor for a base fee of 33 million euros, with potential bonuses.
However, Galatasaray did not make any significant purchases beyond the signing of Gündoğan. They did agree to loan midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo to Udinese and defender Carlos Custa to Vasco.
On the other hand, Fenerbahçe made a splash with their transfers. They signed Spanish midfielder Marco Asensio from Paris Saint-Germain and Turkish international Kerem Aktürkoğlu from Benfica, costing over 58 million euros. The club also secured Ederson from Manchester City in a last-minute deal on September 1 for a reported fee of 14 million euros.
Fenerbahçe's transfer activity was not limited to purchases. They sent goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic to Girona, midfielder Sofyan Amrabat to Real Betis, defender Diego Carlos to Como on loan, and sold Yusuf Akçiçek to Al Hilal for 22 million euros. The transfer of Akçiçek was the most expensive sale by a Turkish club in the recent transfers.
The transfers of both Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe were accompanied by a series of loan deals and sales to various clubs. Despite the high spending, no new record-breaking transfer fees were set by either club.
The transfer of Ederson from Manchester City to Fenerbahçe happened a day before Galatasaray signed Uğurcan Çakır from Trabzonspor. The transfer of City's Gündoğan to Galatasaray was a long-term target for weeks before being signed by Fenerbahçe.
Galatasaray also signed Victor Osimhen with an initial payment of 40 million euros and further 35 million euros to follow. The exact transfer fee for Osimhen is not stated, but he joined on a contract until 2027.
Fenerbahçe's signing of Asensio and Galatasaray's acquisition of Osimhen, along with the other transfers, have significantly increased the total spending by both clubs during the September 2 transfer deadline. This spending could potentially shake up the Süper Lig season, as both teams aim to secure top positions.
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