Galatasaray have reached an agreement to sign former Fenerbahçe star Yusuf Akçiçek to strengthen their defence. The club has agreed personal terms with the Turkish centre-back and largely settled on a transfer fee with his current club, Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal.
The deal is now in its final stages, pending Al Hilal securing a replacement defender. Once that condition is met, Akçiçek's move to the Süper Lig leaders will be finalized. Galatasaray, who top the table with 7 points from 3 games, are investing in their backline to solidify their title charge. A new name could soon appear on our squad page.
Yusuf Akçiçek transferred from Fenerbahçe to Al Hilal just last year for a fee of 22 million euros. The 24-year-old national team player's contract with the Saudi club runs until the summer of 2029, and his current market value is reported to be 15 million euros. He has made 24 appearances and scored one goal for Al Hilal. The exact fee Galatasaray will pay remains undisclosed, but the parties are said to have reached an agreement.
The process is nearing completion. The fact that Akçiçek's family was spotted watching Galatasaray's match against Göztepe from the stadium stands further fueled the transfer speculation. This move is part of Galatasaray's strategy to bolster their defence, following their earlier investment in the midfield with the signing of Rafael Leão.
The experienced Turkish international is a profile that can contribute directly to Galatasaray's current defensive rotation. Akçiçek's arrival will help maintain this stability.
However, another new signing, Rafael Leão, is currently sidelined with an injury. Akçiçek's integration and physical conditioning will be among the technical staff's focal points in the coming process.
The completion of the transfer now hinges on Al Hilal's initiative. The Saudi club is expected to finalise their own signing of a centre-back. Once that happens, Yusuf Akçiçek will officially become a Galatasaray player.
Galatasaray's next league fixture is a home match against 5th-placed Rizespor on December 6, 2026. A completed transfer ahead of this clash could also boost squad morale. The Süper Lig leaders continue their progress towards season objectives by looking to improve both defensive and offensive statistics.
