Brighton and Hove Albion have agreed a deal worth around £25 million for Ferdi Kadioglu with the Fenerbahce and Turkey star heading to the Premier League after an excellent Euro 2024.
- Exclusive from Graeme Bailey
One of the breakout talents of this summer’s European Championships, the right-footed left-back was a revelation as Turkey came within touching distance of a semi-final meeting with Gareth Southgate’s England.
Ferdi Kadioglu, dynamic and buccaneering with his tireless lung-busting runs down the flank, has been linked with the likes of Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund as a result.
HITC understands that Kadioglu was on the radars of Wolves, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal a few months ago too.
But it is perennial talentspotters Brighton and Hove Albion who will win the race for arguably the most coveted talent in the Turkish Super Lig. Despite the best efforts of Jose Mourinho – determined to keep Kadioglu in his company – Fabian Hurzeler’s Seagulls have agreed terms with Fenerbahce on a deal worth around £25 million.
Brighton set to sign Fenerbahce’s Ferdi Kadioglu for £25m
Personal terms were rubber-stamped earlier this month.
And, after freeing up space by green-lighting Valentin Barco’s loan move to La Liga outfit Sevilla, Brighton should have few problems tying up a deal for the Dutch-born 24-year-old before the transfer window closes next week.
“Teams that want to achieve something should develop their squads and not lose their best players,” Mourinho, the former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Inter Milan coach, told BeIN Sports recently. “I want Ferdi to stay, but it is a matter above me.
“He is a great professional and a very good kid. He is training very well. I hope he stays in the team.”
Fenerbahce president Ali Koc was always a little more realistic when discussing Kadioglu’s future, however.
Even before his star showing on German soil at the Euros, Koc knew that the former NEC Nijmegen prospect was likely to be making a move to one of the continent’s bigger leagues in the near future.
“He has developed so well,” Koc explained to Halk TV. “He is happy at Fenerbahce but now is the time to write a new story.
“My prediction – and opinion – is that he will set sail for a new story at the end of the season.”
Georginio Rutter could make debut vs Manchestre United
Interestingly, the Fenerbahce president admits that Kadioglu was initially signed to play in the number ten role. He has since developed into a roving, attack-minded full-back capable of thriving on both flanks due to his two-footedness and excellent balance.
That versatility and tactical intelligence is likely to make him an excellent addition to Hurzeler’s squad, particularly with full-backs Tariq Lamptey and Pervis Estupinan struggling with injury.
Brighton have spent comfortably over £100 million this summer. Brajan Gruda arrives from Mainz while former Feyenoord team-mates Mats Wieffer and Yankuba Minteh impressed during the opening weekend’s 3-0 thrashing of Everton.
Georginio Rutter, having completed a £40 million move from Leeds United, could now make his debut against Man United on Saturday.
“We have to wait (and see) how he adapts but he had some games already for Leeds,” Hurzeler says, via the official Premier League website.
“I am convinced he will help us on the pitch by his attitude working against the ball, by his quality in possession.
“He has something special and I knew him since he played for Hoffenheim, I followed (his journey). He will be a big, big player for Brighton and I’m happy he’s here in the squad.”
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