Granit Xhaka emerges as transfer target for Galatasaray, Fenerbahce
Bayer Leverkusen's Swiss midfielder #34 Granit Xhaka celebrates scoring the 2-0 goal with his team-mates during the German first division Bundesliga football match Bayer 04 Leverkusen v Werder Bremen in Leverkusen, western Germany, on April 14, 2024. (AFP Photo)
Granit Xhaka, one of Bayer Leverkusen’s key midfielders and a cornerstone of their successful Bundesliga campaign, has emerged as a target for both Galatasaray and Fenerbahce ahead of the summer transfer window.
Galatasaray makes first move
Galatasaray has already taken the first concrete steps toward signing the Swiss international. Club officials reportedly held preliminary talks with Xhaka’s father and his official representative in Türkiye.
Sources close to the negotiations indicate that the 32-year-old is open to a move — but only if the club secures qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Fenerbahce keeping tabs
While Galatasaray leads the race, arch-rivals Fenerbahce have also been offered the player through intermediaries. Despite this, there appears to be less urgency from the yellow-and-navy side, who already boast midfield options like Fred, Sofyan Amrabat, Ismail Yuksek, and Sebastian Szymanski.
However, Fenerbahce is reportedly keeping the door open. Should any departures occur in midfield, the club may revisit the option and present Xhaka to newly appointed head coach Jose Mourinho.
Xhaka has played 45 matches across all competitions this season, scoring twice and assisting seven times. He remains under contract with Leverkusen until 2028 and has an estimated market value of €17 million.
