Turkish and Spanish media reports indicate that Fenerbahçe has entered advanced negotiations to sign Moroccan international striker Youssef En-Nesyri , star of Sevilla FC, during the current summer transfer window. This move comes as part of the club's new management, under the leadership of renowned Portuguese coach José Mourinho, seeks to build a strong team capable of competing for domestic and continental titles.
General context and background: Fenerbahce's ambitions under Mourinho
After a long absence from the Turkish Super League title podium, Fenerbahçe made a huge splash in the football world by appointing José Mourinho as manager. This appointment wasn't just a managerial change; it was a clear declaration of the club's intentions and ambitions to reclaim its leading position in Turkey and Europe. With the arrival of "The Special One," the club's management began working to meet his requirements for strengthening the squad, with the center forward position being a top priority, especially given the presence of players like Edin Džeko and Michy Batshuayi, who might not perfectly fit into Mourinho's future plans.
The importance of the deal and its expected impact
The potential signing of Youssef En-Nesyri is seen as a significant strategic move. Domestically , the arrival of a striker of En-Nesyri's caliber, who has proven his quality in the competitive Spanish league, would provide a huge boost to Fenerbahçe's attack, increasing their competitiveness in the fierce battle with arch-rivals Galatasaray for the league title. Internationally , acquiring a player of En-Nesyri's stature, a key member of the Moroccan national team that achieved a historic feat at the 2022 World Cup, would enhance the Turkish league's image as an attractive destination for global stars and underline Fenerbahçe's serious ambitions under Mourinho to compete strongly in European competitions.
According to sources close to the negotiations, En-Nesyri, who is entering the final year of his contract with Sevilla, seems open to a new challenge, especially given Fenerbahçe's ambitious project. The Moroccan striker is known for his prolific goal-scoring ability, physical strength, and aerial prowess – qualities that Mourinho highly values in his forwards. While other clubs have expressed interest, the presence of the Portuguese manager could be a decisive factor in convincing the player to move to Istanbul.
