Yusuf Akcicek (foto: Twitter)
Fenerbahçe vice president Acun Ilicali turned down a €24M offer for 19-year-old Yusuf Akçicek, insisting the club will only sell for a record-breaking €40M fee.
Fenerbahçe’s 19-year-old defensive prodigy, Yusuf Akçicek, has quickly become one of the most sought-after young talents in Europe. Under the guidance of José Mourinho, the young center-back has secured a key role in the first team, drawing interest from top clubs across Europe’s biggest leagues.
Akçicek began the season in Fenerbahçe’s youth squad but rapidly impressed Mourinho, earning 15 first-team appearances so far. His performances have already attracted substantial offers, with Fenerbahçe vice president Acun Ilicali revealing that the club turned down a €24 million bid from a Premier League side following the match against Anderlecht.
Fenerbahçe demands a record transfer fee
"We had a meeting regarding Yusuf. After the game against Anderlecht, a Premier League sporting director texted me: 'The offer is now €24 million.' We rejected it. We don’t want to sell him," Ilicali stated.
Turkish media reports suggest that Fenerbahçe is holding out for €40 million, which would make Akçicek the club’s most expensive sale in history.
The current record belongs to Turkish international Ferdi Kadıoğlu, who moved to Brighton last summer for €30 million.