Merih Demiral on the Way to Fenerbahçe

The transfer news that shook Istanbul on Thursday came from the Fenerbahçe side. Journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu announced that the yellow-and-blue club's presidential candidate Hakan Safi has reached an agreement in principle with Merih Demiral. The 28-year-old international centre-back wearing the Al-Ahli jersey will continue his career in Turkey if his club accepts the appropriate conditions. According to Sabuncuoğlu's news, Al-Ahli is demanding a transfer fee between 18-20 million Euros for Merih. This figure paints a parallel picture to the Saudi team's signing of the player from Atalanta for 20 million Euros in 2023 — Al-Ahli wants to fully recover the money it paid.

The picture from the Merih Demiral side is optimistic. According to information conveyed by Sporx and Mynet, the international centre-back is ready to make a serious reduction in his salary for the transfer to take place. It was stated that Merih, who earns about 12 million Euros annually at Al-Ahli, could give up about 5 million Euros of this figure if he signs with Fenerbahçe. So the yellow-and-blue club has the opportunity to reach an agreement with an annual salary of around 7 million Euros. The Hakan Safi side plans to make a 3-year contract with Merih; the total package looks extraordinarily attractive for Fenerbahçe.

Merih Demiral's career story makes this transfer an emotional event for the fans. The Karamürsel-born centre-back grew up in the Fenerbahçe academy but went to Portugal on loan to Sporting in 2017 without being able to play for the A team. Afterwards he wore Alanyaspor, Sassuolo, Juventus and Atalanta jerseys. Merih, who transferred to Al-Ahli for 20 million Euros in summer 2023, won the AFC Champions League with the Saudi team in the 2025-26 season. Last season, while playing in 32 matches in total in the Saudi jersey, he produced 2 goals and 1 assist. His contract with Al-Ahli extends until 2029; his Transfermarkt market value is at 14 million Euros level. Merih had used the expression "I want to wear the Fenerbahçe jersey one day" in many interviews he gave before.

The Hakan Safi side's transfer moves are not limited to Merih. In another news conveyed by Yağız Sabuncuoğlu on the same day, it was reported that the presidential candidate made an official transfer offer to the 37-year-old Polish striker Robert Lewandowski who left Barcelona. Lewandowski produced 19 goals and 4 assists in 46 matches with the Barcelona jersey last season. In addition, according to Fabrizio Romano's news, Sporting's 28-year-old Colombian striker Luis Javier Suárez Charris is also in Hakan Safi's project — an agreement has been reached with Suárez on personal terms. Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Inter) is another name on Hakan Safi's list. In the same project for the renewal of the midfield and forward line, Merih Demiral is considered as the only signing in the defence.

The most critical condition for the transfer to take place is the result of the Fenerbahçe Extraordinary Election General Assembly on June 6-7. Hakan Safi competes against former president Aziz Yıldırım in the presidential candidacy; current president Sadettin Saran had previously announced that he would not be a candidate (Saran being sentenced to 2 years 6 months in prison for "encouraging illegal betting" on the same Thursday also created tension in the club). On Saturday, June 6, the opening, board election and activity report discussions will take place; on Sunday, June 7, the election of the presidency and board members will be held. If Safi wins the presidential race, Merih Demiral's return to Kadıköy will become official; otherwise, all agreements will be re-evaluated depending on the policies of the Aziz Yıldırım management.

Merih Demiral's possible return means a serious quality leap for the Fenerbahçe defence. Merih, who is one of the indispensable centre-backs and captains of the Turkish National Team, carries leadership quality to the yellow-and-blue defence with both his European experience and big tournament past. It is being discussed that the tournament performance of the player who will also be in the 2026 World Cup squad could have an effect on the price as well — Turkey's group performance under Vincenzo Montella's management could also change Merih's transfer fee negotiation. While intense traffic is expected in both Kadıköy and Riyadh sides in the next few days, the most critical date for fans will be the election result to be announced on Sunday night.

Source: Yağız Sabuncuoğlu 

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