Super transfers in Super Lig so far

The Turkish Super Lig is set to kick off with the Galatasaray-Hatayspor match on Friday at 9 p.m. local time.

During the summer transfer window, teams have been busy signing star players, aiming to build strong squads for the 2024-25 season. Let’s take a look at some of the standout transfers in the Super Lig so far:

Besiktas

After a disappointing sixth-place finish last season, Besiktas is determined to turn things around under the new leadership of President Hasan Arat. The club is undergoing a significant squad overhaul, bringing in high-profile, internationally renowned players as they look to put the previous season firmly in the past.

• Ciro Immobile
  Ciro Immobile was brought in to address Besiktas’s goal-scoring issues from last season, signing from Lazio in Serie A. The 34-year-old experienced striker is Lazio’s all-time top scorer with 207 goals. His achievements include being the top scorer in Serie A four times, and he has also won the European Golden Shoe.
  Immobile made a quick start to his Besiktas career, becoming a fan favorite after scoring just 25 seconds into the Turkish Super Cup final against Galatasaray, a match Besiktas won 5-0. In his first game for Besiktas, Immobile was named Man of the Match and set several records, including the fastest goal in Turkish Super Cup history (21 seconds), breaking the previous record of 50 seconds held by Mauro Icardi.
• Rafa Silva
  Another key addition to Besiktas’ attack is Rafa Silva, who joined on a free transfer from Liga Portugal side Benfica. A Commander of the Order of Merit (Portugal) recipient, Rafa was one of the most important players for both the Portuguese national team and Benfica.
  Known for his assists, the Portuguese star made an immediate impact in his first official match, scoring a goal and providing an assist in Besiktas’s 5-0 victory over Galatasaray in the Turkish Super Cup.
• Gabriel Paulista:
  To strengthen their defense, Besiktas signed 33-year-old center-back Gabriel Paulista from La Liga side Atletico Madrid on a free transfer. The Brazilian defender, who has twice been named the Best Defender in the Campeonato Baiano, will be a key figure in Besiktas’s backline.

Galatasaray

Last season, Galatasaray clinched the championship with a record-breaking 102 points. This year, the club aims to continue where it left off, with head coach Okan Buruk leading the team to its 25th championship and the coveted fifth star on its crest.

• Gabriel Sara:
  After defeating Beşiktaş 5-0 in the Turkish Super Cup with a historic scoreline, Galatasaray made a significant move to strengthen its midfield before the new season. The Turkish champions signed Brazilian star Gabriel Sara from Norwich City on a five-year contract.
  Galatasaray will pay the English club a total of 18 million euros (approximately $19.7 million) in nine equal installments over three years, making it the highest transfer fee in the club’s history. The 25-year-old Brazilian midfielder is expected to make a major impact at Galatasaray.
• Michy Batshuayi:
  To enhance their attacking options, Galatasaray signed Michy Batshuayi, who previously played for their arch-rivals Besiktas and Fenerbahce, to partner with Argentine star Mauro Icardi. Batshuayi, the top scorer of the 2023-24 Turkish Cup, made history with his transfer to Galatasaray, becoming the first foreign player to play for all three of Türkiye’s “Big Three” clubs (Besiktas, Galatasaray, and Fenerbahce). The 30-year-old experienced striker is expected to add depth to Galatasaray’s attacking lineup.
• Elias Jelert:
  Reigning champions Galatasaray have strengthened their defensive options with the acquisition of right-back Elias Jelert from Danish side Copenhagen for a fee of 9 million euros. The 21-year-old is expected to bolster the team both defensively and offensively and is seen as a promising long-term investment for the club.

Fenerbahce

Despite an impressive performance last season, Fenerbahce finished just three points behind Galatasaray, who won the championship with a record number of points. With 99 points, Fenerbahce placed second but has set its sights on the title for the upcoming season. To achieve this goal, Fenerbahce has been one of the most active teams in the transfer market.

• Youssef En-Nesyri:
  Fenerbahce’s pursuit of Youssef En-Nesyri has paid off. The 27-year-old Moroccan striker, who spent his entire career in Spain, decided to end his 4.5-year spell at Sevilla and attracted interest from several clubs.
  Despite receiving lucrative offers from Arab clubs and interest from Newcastle and Roma, En-Nesyri chose Fenerbahce. Jose Mourinho’s intervention played a crucial role in finalizing the transfer. Fenerbahce will pay Sevilla 20 million euros (approximately $21.6 million) for En-Nesyri, making him the most expensive transfer in Süper Lig history.
  Over the next four years, En-Nesyri will earn 16 million euros, with a total net income of 36 million euros, excluding bonuses. The Moroccan star, who was awarded the Moroccan Order of the Throne (2022), was also named the best Moroccan player abroad for the 2022-23 season.
• Cenk Tosun:
  To further bolster their attacking options, Fenerbahce signed Cenk Tosun as an alternative striker after his contract with arch-rival Besiktas expired. Nicknamed “Tosun Pasha,” Cenk Tosun has been a key player for both the Turkish national team and Besiktas.
  The 33-year-old forward is making a triumphant return to the Super Lig. With a storied career that includes being the most expensive Turkish player ever sold in the league for a staggering 23 million euros, he brings a wealth of experience to the table. As the third-highest goal scorer for Beşiktaş in European competitions with 12 goals, just behind the legendary Oktay Derelioglu, his attacking prowess is undeniable. The striker also added his name to the Euro 2024 scoresheet, showcasing his continued international impact.
• Allan Saint-Maximin:
  Fenerbahce have added pace and creativity to their frontline with the loan signing of 27-year-old French winger Allan Saint-Maximin from Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli. Known for his electric speed and dribbling ability, Saint-Maximin contributed significantly to Al-Ahli last season with four goals and 10 assists in 31 matches.
  Saint-Maximin is expected to be a significant addition to Fenerbahce’s attacking options and could cause problems for opposing defenders.

Trabzonspor:

Finishing last season in third place, Trabzonspor, nicknamed the “Black Sea Storm,” is determined to repeat their success from the 2021-22 season and win the championship. To achieve this, they have intensified their transfer activities.

• Anthony Nwakaeme:
  Trabzonspor has resigned their former player, 35-year-old Nigerian forward Anthony Nwakaeme. Known for his dribbling skills, speed, and exceptional ability to outmaneuver defenders, Nwakaeme was a nightmare for opposing defenses during his previous stint with Trabzonspor in the 2022-2023 season.
• Stefan Savic:
  To strengthen their defense, Trabzonspor has signed one of Europe’s most experienced defenders, Savic, on a free transfer from Atletico Madrid. The 33-year-old Montenegrin center-back aims to help minimize defensive weaknesses for the upcoming season.
  Savic boasts an impressive career with titles including the Premier League (2011-12) and FA Community Shield (2012) with Manchester City, as well as La Liga (2020-21), UEFA Europa League (2017-18), and UEFA Super Cup (2018) with Atlético Madrid.
• Ozan Tufan:
  To bolster their midfield, Trabzonspor has signed former Fenerbahce player Ozan Tufan from Hull City for a transfer fee of 2 million euros.
  The 29-year-old midfielder, who was named the most valuable young player in the Turkish Süper Lig in 2015, has also played for Watford in his career.

Bonus: Brahima Diarra

Brahima Diarra, who became a sensation during the national anthem, has transferred to the Super Lig. According to a report by Sports Digitale, Sivasspor has reached an agreement with Brahima Diarra.

The young player, who also represents the Mali U23 National Team, recently parted ways with English League One side Huddersfield Town.

The right-footed player, with a market value of 450,000 euros, has made 61 appearances in his club career, scoring one goal and providing six assists. He has also featured in seven matches for the national team.

These are some of the major transfers in the Turkish Super Lig as teams gear up for an exciting 2024-2025 season.