Football Season Guide

Giants Fenerbahce finished 2nd in 4th consecutive season. Had only 2 defeats, compared to 5 for Galatasaray, and yet stayed 3 points behind their arch-nemesis. Recorded 11 draws, no other team in the top 5 had that many. This was the reason for the missed title. Changed managers early. Mourinho left at the end of August after a failed attempt to get Fener to the Champions League. His replacement Tedesco departed with a game of the season left when it was clear the title won’t be theirs. Went back to a familiar manager this summer. Ismail Kartal returns for his 4th stint as the HC. He most recently managed Fener in the 2023/24 campaign. Hasn’t been able to win any major trophies in any of his previous 3 stays. Some bold moves made on the transfer market already. Nathan Ake joined from England. He will be the new starter next to solid Skriniar in defence. English winger Mason Greenwood is the other big signing this summer. Shaping to become a key player. Added further depth in attack. Muriqi was signed. Cherif’s loan was made a permanent stay. They will serve as back-ups for the prolific top scorer Talisca. Fener are not done with major moves this summer. Linked with at least 4 big names and with a full month of transfer activity left in Turkey more incoming and outgoing action is to be expected. Undoubtedly have the squad to be champions. If the reinforcements in attack can improve the scoring record and turn some of the draws into wins then it is hard to see who can keep up with Fener this season.