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Rising Turkish football star Yunus Akgun set to join Arda Guler

Yunus Akgun of Galatasaray celebrates Yunus Akgun of Galatasaray celebrates after scoring a goal during UEFA Europa League match between RFS and Galatasaray at Daugava Stadium in Riga, Latvia on October 03, 2024. (AA Photo)
By Selin Hacialioglu
Dec 23, 2024 5:39 PM

Yunus Akgun, one of Galatasaray‘s standout players this season, is gaining significant attention from European clubs.

Following his remarkable performances in both domestic and international competitions, the Turkish winger has drawn interest from Valencia.

If this transfer happens, Akgun could become the fourth Turkish international to play in La Liga this season, alongside Arda Guler (Real Madrid), Cenk Ozkacar (Real Valladolid), and Bertug Yildirim (Getafe).

Yunus Akgun (back) of Galatasaray in action
Yunus Akgun (back) of Galatasaray in action against Colin Rosler (L) of Malmo during the UEFA Europa League Week 6 football match between Malmo and Galatasaray at Eleda Stadium in Malmo, Sweden on Dec. 12, 2024. (AA Photo)

Valencia sends scouts to monitor Yunus Akgun during Galatasaray match

Reports confirm that scouts from Valencia attended Galatasaray’s recent match against Kayserispor, where the Istanbul giants secured a 5-1 victory.

The Spanish club is eager to add the 24-year-old winger to their squad. Akgun impressed during the game, contributing a goal and two assists, solidifying his position as one of Galatasaray’s key players this season.

Yunus Akgun has a contract with Galatasaray until 2026, and his market value has climbed to 6.5 million euros, reflecting his consistent performance.

This season, he has scored 10 goals and delivered 6 assists across all competitions, making him an integral part of the team’s attacking strategy.

Yunus Akgun (R) of Galatasaray in action
Yunus Akgun (R) of Galatasaray in action against Ziga Lipuscek (front) of RFS during the UEFA Europa League match between RFS and Galatasaray at Daugava Stadium in Riga, Latvia on Oct.3, 2024. (AA Photo)

Galatasaray player Yunus Akgun’s incredible rise in football

Yunus Akgun’s journey to becoming a sought-after talent in European football has been remarkable. Six years ago, his market value was a modest $415,000. Since then, he has multiplied his value by 27.5 times, reaching a career-high of $11.5 million.

After Kerem Akturkoglu transferred to Benfica earlier this season, Akgun seized his opportunity to shine. In the UEFA Europa League, he has scored 5 goals in 6 appearances, while in the Turkish Super Lig, he has recorded 4 goals and 4 assists in 15 matches.

  • Manchester United reportedly began considering Yunus Akgun as a potential addition to their squad in early November. The English club’s interest stems from Akgun’s impressive technical abilities, creativity, and consistency.
Arda Guler (L) of Real Madrid in action
Arda Guler (L) of Real Madrid in action against Diego Rico (R) of Getafe during the La Liga week 15th match against Getafe, Madrid, Spain on Dec. 1, 2024. (AA Photo)

Comparisons between Yunus Akgun, Arda Guler

Yunus Akgun’s rise has drawn comparisons to Arda Guler, another Turkish talent excelling in Europe. Like Guler, Akgun possesses technical skills, creativity, and the ability to change the outcome of games. However, Akgun’s experience in Galatasaray’s high-pressure environment has shaped him into a more mature and consistent player.

Despite the parallels, Akgun has carved out his own path. He has played a pivotal role for Galatasaray, helping the team maintain an unbeaten streak in the Turkish Super Lig. His performance against Kayserispor, where he played a role in 4 of the team’s 5 goals, demonstrated his ability to dominate games.

If Yunus Akgun completes his transfer to Valencia, it would mark a significant milestone in his career. La Liga, known for its competitive nature and technical demands, could provide the ideal platform for the Turkish winger to further develop his skills.

For now, Galatasaray fans continue to enjoy his contributions, but growing interest from European clubs may soon lead to his departure from Istanbul.

Last Updated:  Dec 23, 2024 5:39 PM