Revealed: Samet Akaydin’s Summer Talk with Mourinho About Transfer Plans

In Fenerbahçe‘s 4-0 victory over Sivasspor over the weekend, Samet Akaydin scored the opening goal, lifting his spirits. The experienced defender took to the field in the yellow-navy blue jersey for the first time in 337 days.

JOINED IN 2023

Samet Akaydin transferred to Fenerbahçe from Adana Demirspor in January 2023. The Yellow Canaries paid a transfer fee of 3.7 million euros for the 30-year-old experienced center-back.

LOANED TO PANATHINAIKOS

One year after his transfer to Fenerbahçe, the national defender was loaned to Panathinaikos, then coached by Fatih Terim. Samet completed the season with the Greek giant and returned to Fenerbahçe at the start of the 2024-25 season.

PLAYED IN 36 MATCHES

So far, Samet Akaydin has played in a total of 36 matches across all competitions for Fenerbahçe. The experienced defender has scored one goal in these 36 appearances.

AT THE SEASON’S START, HE TOLD JOSE HE WANTED TO LEAVE

It has come to light that a conversation occurred between Samet Akaydin and Jose Mourinho during the summer. The national player, who was not included in the UEFA list for the Champions League qualifiers, reportedly told the Portuguese coach he wanted to leave the team.

“IF I’M GOING TO BE THE 4TH CENTER-BACK…”

At the start of the season, Samet Akaydin, who received offers from five clubs, including Trendyol Süper Lig team Bodrum FK, told Jose Mourinho, “If I’m going to be the fourth center-back, I want to leave. I want to play.”

MOURINHO DID NOT ALLOW HIM TO LEAVE

Jose Mourinho reportedly replied to the experienced defender, “You’re not going anywhere. You’ll play too; just be patient,” and did not allow the departure.