Fenerbahce were keen on signing Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma but they have now pulled the plug on the deal. The Mali international, who was part of Spurs' Europa League-winning campaign last season, was linked with a move away from North London this summer after falling down the pecking order under manager Thomas Frank.
Fenerbahce president Ali Koc has lifted the lid on one of North London's transfer sagas, revealing that the club came agonisingly close to landing Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma before an untimely injury torpedoed the deal. Giants Galatasaray and Fenerbahce were both circling, sensing an opportunity to snap up a proven Premier League talent. Yet despite heavy speculation and weeks of negotiation, no agreement has been reached.
Manchester United loanee Andre Onana's Trabzonspor debut got off to the worst possible start after the Cameroonian produced yet another howler to hand Fenerbahce the opening goal. While the goalkeeper was able to impress through the game, his mistake allowed Youssef En-Nesyri's goal to stand as the match winner, handing Trabzonspor their first loss of the season.
Fenerbahce president Ali Koc revealed that Inter midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu had agreed to join the club in the summer. The revelation comes despite Calhanoglu publicly declaring his lifelong support for Fenerbahce’s arch-rivals Galatasaray. In the end, neither side was able to finalise a transfer, and the Turkish international remained in Italy for the season.
Jose Mourinho admits it was a "mistake" joining Fenerbahce and that the Turkish team wasn't on his "level". The 62-year-old has come full circle after being sworn in as Benfica's new manager following Bruno Lage's sacking. The Portuguese believes he is a coach who should be managing the biggest teams in the world and Benfica give him that platform.
Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has launched a stunning critique of his former rival Jose Mourinho, claiming the Portuguese "hasn't upgraded himself as a coach." After beating Mourinho's Fenerbahce to the Super Lig title last season, Buruk stated he "was better than" Mourinho and that his rival is "not focused like before."
Juventus find themselves in a defensive crisis, akin to the one they experienced last season, which has forced them to look in the transfer market for suitable reinforcements. According to reports from Italy, the Bianconeri are looking for defenders with previous experience in the Serie A. Milan Skriniar, formerly of Inter, and Kim Min-jae, who was crucial in Napoli's title-winning success in 2022-23, are reportedly on the radar.
Karim Benzema could be set for a surprise return to Europe, with Turkish giants Fenerbahce making the ex-Real Madrid striker their top January target. After a slow start to the season and a lack of goals, the Istanbul club are reportedly ready to test the waters for the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, who remains under contract with Al-Ittihad until 2026.