Vedat Muriqi Returning Home: Fenerbahçe Calls the Pirate Back to Istanbul — Galatasaray and Beşiktaş Also in the Race

A nostalgic return scenario has become one of the hottest headlines in the Turkish football market. Mallorca's 32-year-old Kosovan striker Vedat Muriqi, the star player with the nickname "Pirate," is preparing to return to the Super League this summer. According to reports in the Turkish press, the Fenerbahçe management has initiated the "return home" plan; Galatasaray and Beşiktaş, on the other hand, have entered the race through their own channels.

Muriqi's first contact with Turkish football came in the summer of 2019. The player, who transferred from Çaykur Rizespor to Fenerbahçe for €3.5 million, scored 17 goals in 36 matches in his only season in the yellow-navy shirt. However, his injury at the end of the season affected his performance, and he then transferred to Lazio for €21 million in summer 2020. Now, the possibility of returning to his "home" years later has become a contested transfer file among Istanbul clubs.

His four years at Mallorca have created Muriqi's true career resonance. Last season 15 goals, this season 14 goals in 19 matches — the Kosovan player has become one of Europe's most productive aerial dominance specialists, and is on the radar of not only Istanbul teams but also Europe's mid-level clubs. Among the clubs whose names have been mentioned are Barcelona, Torino, along with Galatasaray and Beşiktaş.

On the financial side, the picture is complex. In January, Fenerbahçe made an official offer of €12 million, but Mallorca was not open to selling at the time as they were fighting relegation. In February, Mallorca demanded €16 million from Fenerbahçe. In April 2026, Mallorca asked for €10 million, while some sources reported a deal could be made at a price of €5-6 million. The player's €40 million release clause is also on the agenda, but most likely will not be activated. The transfer fee negotiation is poised to be the most critical part of the file.

Muriqi's transfer carries not only a sporting but also an emotional dimension. The player, who extended his contract with Mallorca until 2029 in July 2025, has a known desire to be close to Turkey in both family and career planning. Reports in the Turkish press indicate that Muriqi himself is also willing to wear the yellow-navy shirt again. Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has not hidden his interest in the player either.

In conclusion, Vedat Muriqi becoming one of the most discussed files of the summer transfer window is inevitable. The race between the three Istanbul teams will take shape depending on how close they can come to the transfer fee Mallorca demands. The Kosovan star's return home will add great movement to Turkish football.

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