Fenerbahçe Eyes Aymeric Laporte: Mourinho’s Top Center-Back Target
Fenerbahçe, who is continuing its transfer efforts at full speed, has added a Spanish player to their list. It has been reported that Sporting Director Mario Branco has begun talks for the player, currently playing in Saudi Arabia. It was also noted that Mourinho is eager to have this star player in his squad, given his countless career successes.
The Yellow and Blue management is determined to strengthen the squad in the second half of the season by making targeted transfers in January. Fenerbahçe is especially aiming to sign a star center-back who has the leadership qualities Mourinho desires and can lead the defense.
TALISCA STILL ON THE RADAR
After Becao’s season-ending injury, the focus of transfers quickly shifted to the center-back position. However, it has been learned that Fenerbahçe has not given up on Talisca. Talks with Al-Nassr are ongoing, with reports suggesting that the Saudi club may accept a transfer fee of 5 million euros. Fenerbahçe has no problem paying this amount, but there is an expectation of support from Al-Nassr for Talisca’s salary. The two parties have yet to reach a middle ground on this matter. If the clubs agree, the Brazilian player is ready to join Fenerbahçe. The management is expected to finalize the budget for Talisca based on the spending for the center-back transfer.
MERİH DEMİRAL NOT A PRIORITY
The national team star, who left Fenerbahçe without playing after coming through the youth system, has often expressed that it left a wound in him. The club’s management had even offered him a jersey in response. It was noted that President Ali Koç very much wanted to bring the 26-year-old defender to the club. However, since Merih Demiral does not match the profile of the center-back Mourinho wants, it was learned that the Portuguese coach is not currently interested in this transfer. The national defender is known for his fighting, physical style of play, and he uses his right foot, which contrasts with the type of center-back Mourinho prefers. However, if a center-back of Mourinho’s desired profile is signed and Samet Akaydın leaves in January, Merih Demiral’s name could come back into the spotlight.
AYMERIC LAPORTE BOMB
Fenerbahçe is aiming to sign a star defender who possesses the qualities Mourinho desires to lead the defense. The latest name on their radar is Aymeric Laporte. The 30-year-old defender, who is currently playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, is reportedly a target for Fenerbahçe, and Sporting Director Mario Branco has already started talks for him.
COLLECTED TROPHIES
It was reported that Mourinho is very keen on Laporte. The star player spent 6 years at Athletic Bilbao, his youth club, before moving to Manchester City, where he spent 5 years. Laporte was part of Spain’s squad that won EURO 2024 last summer.
Additionally, Laporte has won 1 Champions League, 6 Premier League titles, and 1 UEFA Super Cup with Manchester City. Mourinho believes that the left-footed defender, who excels at building play from the back and can lead the defense, will elevate the team’s quality to the next level.
BADIASHILE TRANSFER A HIGH POSSIBILITY
Convincing Al-Nassr for this transfer may not be easy, but the management is determined to push the limits to strengthen the center-back position. This area has now become the top priority in transfers, and work continues on other listed candidates.
Efforts are ongoing with PSV‘s Boscagli, Feyenoord’s Hancko, and Roma’s Hermoso. Additionally, if Chelsea is open to a loan move, the Benoit Badiashile transfer is considered to be more likely compared to the other candidates.
