Fenerbahce VP confirms contact with Al-Nassr for ex-Besiktas star Talisca’s transfer
Talisca of Besiktas celebrates after scoring a goal during the match between Besiktas and Olympique Lyonnais UEFA Europa League quarter final second match at Vodafone Arena in Istanbul, Türkiye on Apr. 20, 2017. (AA Photo)
Fenerbahce expressed interest in Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr’s Brazilian star Anderson Talisca for a possible mid-season transfer, Vice President Acun Ilicali confirmed Sunday.
Fenerbahce Vice President Acun Ilicali addressed recent transfer rumors suggesting that Fenerbahce has been pursuing Anderson Talisca from Al-Nassr, confirming Fenerbahce’s interest in the Brazilian star for a mid-season transfer.
Ilicali noted that negotiations are still ongoing and have yet to conclude.
Ilicali emphasized that it was too early to discuss the situation further, citing Talisca’s €11 million ($11.6 million) annual salary as a major obstacle. Ilicali said: “We want Talisca, but it’s not easy. The kid earns €11 million a year. We also need to consider his club’s transfer fee expectations. If it works out, of course, we want him.”
Ilicali pointed out Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho for the transfer list, saying: “Our goal is to strengthen the team even further during the mid-season transfer window in consultation with our coach. We have the option to bring in foreign players, and we will use it.”
Besiktas’ ex-star to Fenerbahce
Anderson Talisca, the 30-year-old Brazilian attacking midfielder, made his professional debut in the Brazilian league with Bahia before moving to the Portuguese club Benfica. At the start of the 2016-17 season, Talisca joined Turkish side Besiktas on loan, who were reigning champions of the Turkish league at the time.
He played a key role in Besiktas’ Turkish Super League championship and in becoming the first Turkish team in history to complete the UEFA Champions League group stage undefeated.
After his successful stint with Besiktas, Talisca accepted an astronomical offer from China and transferred to Guangzhou Evergrande.
Following three years in China, he joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr on an extravagant annual salary.
Talisca has played a total of 18 matches for Al-Nassr this season, scoring eight goals.
