Galatasaray and Besiktas Both Eye Yusuf Akcicek

Two of the Super Lig's biggest clubs have set their sights on the same name in their search for a young, homegrown defender. According to NTV Spor, both Galatasaray and Besiktas are interested in 20-year-old Yusuf Akcicek, who moved from Fenerbahce to Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal for €22 million last season. Having struggled to secure regular playing time in Saudi Arabia, the Turkey international is said to want a return to Turkey.

According to the report, the player's domestic status and his background in Galatasaray's academy make the move particularly appealing for the yellow-and-reds. Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk is said to want Akcicek in the squad as an alternative to Davinson Sanchez and Abdulkerim Bardakci. Besiktas are also said to hold similar interest, closely monitoring the player's situation as they look to strengthen their defensive rotation.

Akcicek, who moved from Galatasaray's academy to Fenerbahce in 2019 and drew attention with his performances for the first team in 2024, is reportedly being considered by both clubs primarily through a loan structure rather than a permanent deal. The Saudi club is said to be positively disposed toward letting the player leave, and which club takes the lead in this race should become clear in the coming days.

Source: NTV Spor
Image: Nefes