Fenerbahçe ramps up pursuit of England‑based Super Eagles star

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Fenerbahce intensify efforts to sign England-based Super Eagles star

Former Fenerbahçe S.K. president Aziz Yıldırım has stepped up his campaign to bring Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey from Fulham to Istanbul this summer, according to Afrik Foot.

Yıldırım, who led the club for twenty years from February 1998 to June 2018, is running again for president in the 2026/2027 election. He has pledged to secure high‑profile Premier League talent if elected.

The 73‑year‑old aims to restore Fenerbahçe’s domestic dominance, a status that has been challenged by Galatasaray’s recent success in Turkish football.

Fenerbahçe president intensifies efforts to sign Calvin Bassey

Afrik Foot previously reported that Yıldırım had a shortlist of Premier League stars he intends to acquire, including West Ham United’s Malick Diouf, Manchester City’s Savinho, and Fulham’s Calvin Bassey.

Turkish outlet A Sports added that Yıldırım has promised to add Manchester City’s Nathan Ake and Malang Sarr to the list if elected.

The presidential election will take place from 6 to 7 June, and Yıldırım is eager to return to his former role.

Nigeria and Fulham defender Calvin Bassey

The report says Fenerbahçe has already met with representatives of Nathan Ake and Bassey, traveling to London to express its interest.

The 19‑time Turkish Super Lig champions have also shown interest in Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy.

“There are no offers for Serhou. We also don’t have a plan to sell him. Borussia have shown how valuable the striker is to the team in the last two seasons in Dortmund,” said Dortmund chief Lars Ricken, downplaying the possibility of a transfer.

Fenerbahce v Lugano UEFA Champions League Second Qualifying Round Manager of Fenerbahce Jose Mourinho in action with Osayi Samuel during the match. Fenerbahce and Lugano faced each other in the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round second leg, the match took place at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium on July 30, 2024 Istanbul.

Bassey is approaching the final year of his contract at Craven Cottage, though Fulham retains a clause that could extend the deal for an additional year.

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Adefolahan Guerreiro

Sports Writer

Adefolahan is a CAF‑Accredited sports journalist and football writer whose work has appeared in outlets such as Soccernet Nigeria, Afrik Foot, Pure Football UK, and Royalsportz.

With a keen eye for detail and a background in college sports, he tells the African football story with depth, flair, and a global perspective.

Fluent in English, Spanish, and German, he brings a cross‑cultural voice to his coverage, blending insight with accessibility for readers worldwide.