Preparing for the upcoming season, the Istanbul giants have announced their ambition to assemble a truly formidable squad and, according to Turkish journalists, have launched “a genuine large-scale operation” on the market. Last season was far from ideal for Fenerbahçe, so the club’s management insists that in the new Süper Lig campaign and in European competitions the team must fight solely for trophies. To turn those ambitions into reality, the sporting department headed by head coach José Mourinho is working around the clock while simultaneously negotiating on several fronts.
Official Offer for Jhon Durán
The first major target is 21-year-old Colombian centre-forward Jhon Durán, whose rights belong to Saudi side Al Nassr. Last winter the Gulf club paid a hefty €77 million for the striker, yet the youngster’s adaptation to a new country and league has proved far more difficult than expected: he is still adjusting to the cultural and footballing realities of the Persian Gulf. Not wishing to jeopardise such a significant investment, Al Nassr’s hierarchy is seriously considering a one-year loan without a purchase option so the player can gain regular minutes and restore his confidence.
According to sources in the yellow-and-navy camp, José Mourinho personally phoned Durán, outlined Fenerbahçe’s sporting project in detail and explained the key role the forward could take on as early as next season. Immediately afterwards the club sent an official loan proposal to Riyadh, confirming its readiness to meet all requirements, including the financial ones.
€10 Million Salary Proposal
Fenerbahçe is prepared to pay €7 million for the temporary transfer and offer the player an impressive annual wage of €10 million. Sources close to Al Nassr report that the Saudis welcome this arrangement, believing that regular playing time in Turkey will help Durán mature and return more seasoned. The Colombian, however, has asked for time to weigh up offers from other clubs in Europe and South America before making a final decision.
All Eyes on Uğurcan
At the same time, the Istanbul outfit is searching for a new shot-stopper. Top of the list is Trabzonspor captain and Turkey’s first-choice goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır. It has emerged that Fenerbahçe president Ali Koç met with his Trabzon counterpart Ertuğrul Doğan to discuss the terms of a potential transfer. The 28-year-old keeper believes the moment has come to take the next step in his career and is ready for a change of scenery.
Local media emphasise that interest in Çakır is not limited to the “Canaries”; arch-rivals Galatasaray and French side Monaco are also keen. In the coming days activity around the Turkish international is expected to intensify: the decision window is shrinking, bids are rising, and all parties aim to reach clarity before pre-season training camps start.
A Young Star for Midfield
Fenerbahçe is not restricting itself to marquee names; the club is also investing in high-potential youngsters. On the radar is 19-year-old Colombian playmaker Jordan Barrera of Atlético Junior in Barranquilla. The Istanbul side has already made direct contact with the South American club; the transfer fee is estimated at around €2 million, a sum manageable even under strict financial fair-play rules.
Barrera can operate as a classic No. 10 behind the strikers or as a dynamic No. 8 driving the ball from deep. This season he has made 15 appearances, scoring one goal and providing two assists, while for Colombia’s U-20s he regularly dictates the tempo and finds inventive solutions. South American sources add that Austrian talent-factory Red Bull Salzburg are also tracking the youngster.
The Road to a Renewed Team
In sum, Fenerbahçe is building a multi-layered strategy: offering established stars the reboot they need while investing in the stars of tomorrow, hoping to unlock their potential under the experienced guidance of Mourinho. Supporters at Şükrü Saracoğlu and millions of fans worldwide eagerly await the first official announcements to judge how decisive this summer’s transfer moves will be. One thing is already clear: the Istanbul side intends to act boldly, methodically and without delay so that by the first whistle of the 2025/26 season Mourinho has a squad capable of challenging for every trophy.
