Official: Fenerbahce signs Benfica striker Akturkolu, signs for four years

Hupu September 2, Fenerbahce officially announced that the team signed Turkish striker Akturkolu from Benfica.

Akturkolu scored a winning goal in the Champions League play-offs not long ago to help Benfica eliminate Fenerbahce, who now joins Fenerbahce.

Announcement

This club announced that it has reached an agreement with Portugal's Benfica Club on a permanent transfer of Turkey international Kerem Aktürkoğlu.

The 26-year-old winger signed a four-year contract with Fenerbahce.

Kelem Akturkolu said:

My only goal is to repay the importance this noble club attaches to me through their performance on the court, and to become one of the team's biggest contributors to the championship.

Do you know why I say "I am happy to come to the most noble club in Türkiye"? Because I have never had any reservations in every club I signed with and always give my all. The same is true in Benfica. Benfica did not agree to let go as the transfer failed to be completed before Benfica Fenerbahce's match, but I told Hakan Safi and our president 'I will play'. The chairman said 'Of course, you will do your duty according to the contract', and Hakan-Safi also said, "You will do your best. If you are not such a person, we would not desire you to join in so much."

For me, it is impossible to break the promise. Of course, when I scored goals in the game and kept Fenerbahce from qualifying, I was also open-minded that it made things change, but our fans and management recognized everything I did very noblely. The Chairman called me the next day and said, "We want you and will bring you, you have done what you should do."

This is why I declared yesterday. I have no intention of insulting other clubs, nor will I.

My goal is to speak with performance in Fenerbahce. I know someone wants to get me into off-court controversy, but as I said yesterday, my goal is to repay the club’s attention and be one of the keys to the team’s championship. ”

Board member Hakan Safi said: "After seeing Kelem's love for Fenerbahce and his childhood dream, it was easy for us to agree. He wants to come, and we really hope he will come. ”

Talking about the transfer process, Hakan Safi said:

"How did this story begin? On July 19, the President expressed his hope to make a big transfer this year on Fenerbahce Day. I have communicated with the Chairman and we have had many discussions based on his request. Many players came and went, but I personally selected the transfer for Kelem Akturkolu and put a lot of effort into it.

Starting from July 19, we have made a lot of efforts to do it. A big transfer is not easy and takes time. First get permission from Benfica before communicating with Kelem. It’s easy to convince each other when we see his love for Fenerbahce and his childhood dreams. He wants to come, and we really hope he comes. Benfica also cooperated and only agreed to let go after seeing our determination and enthusiasm. Although the process was long and difficult, it was a wonderful transfer in the end. I wish Kelem all the best in Fenerbahce and I believe he will perform well. His ambition and fighting spirit make us believe that he will do better than he said, and hope that he will become a fan favorite. There will be a wonderful day here, and all the stands will shout ‘Kerem, Kerem’ and we will be very happy. Every exciting move, assist or goal will make us happy. Again, congratulations to him on joining our family and thanks Chairman Ali Koç for giving me such an opportunity. Hopefully we will have a good day, and I believe this season will be better. Again wish him 's smooth' and 'welcome'. ”

Football Director Devin Erzek said:

"We are very happy to sign Kellum. He is a top winger, familiar with the league and is ready to make a direct impact for us. With his special motivation and energy to play for Fenerbahce, we believe he will bring about success. ”

We welcome Kelem Akturkolu to our family and wish Fenerbahce more victories and championships with him.