Kasımpaşa SK Squad 2024/25: A Comprehensive Overview
Kasımpaşa SK, one of Turkey’s most dynamic football clubs, has consistently been a hub for nurturing talent and competing fiercely in the Süper Lig. As the 2024/25 season approaches, the club has made strategic moves in the transfer market to bolster its squad depth and quality. This season’s roster reflects a blend of experienced veterans, promising young talents, and shrewd acquisitions aimed at achieving a higher league finish and potentially securing European competition. Below, we delve into the detailed breakdown of the Kasımpaşa SK squad for the 2024/25 season, categorized by position.
Goalkeepers
1. Ertuğrul Taşkıran
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: Altay SK, Sivasspor
Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (from Sivasspor, 2023)
Ertuğrul Taşkıran, a towering presence between the posts, has established himself as one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the Süper Lig. Standing at 1.94 meters, his commanding aerial ability and sharp reflexes make him a formidable last line of defense. Taşkıran joined Kasımpaşa in 2023 after a standout season with Sivasspor, where he kept 12 clean sheets. His distribution skills and ability to organize the defense have been pivotal in Kasımpaşa’s tactical setup.
2. Ramazan Civelek
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: Kasımpaşa Academy, Giresunspor (loan)
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
Ramazan Civelek is a product of Kasımpaşa’s esteemed youth academy and has steadily risen through the ranks. After a successful loan spell at Giresunspor, where he gained valuable first-team experience, Civelek has returned to compete for the starting spot. Known for his agility and quick decision-making, the 22-year-old is seen as the future of Kasımpaşa’s goalkeeping department.
3. Andrea Zaccagno
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Cagliari, Pisa (loan)
Transfer Fee: €800,000 (from Cagliari, 2024)
Andrea Zaccagno, a recent acquisition from Italy, brings European experience to the squad. The 26-year-old shot-stopper spent his formative years at Cagliari before loan spells at Pisa, where he showcased his shot-stopping prowess. Zaccagno’s ability to play out from the back aligns perfectly with Kasımpaşa’s possession-based style.
Defenders
1. Florent Hadergjonaj
Nationality: Swiss
Former Clubs: Huddersfield Town, Kasımpaşa (loan)
Transfer Fee: €2 million (permanent signing, 2022)
Florent Hadergjonaj, a versatile right-back, has been a mainstay in Kasımpaşa’s defense since his permanent signing in 2022. The Swiss international, who previously played in the English Premier League with Huddersfield Town, is known for his tireless work rate and precise crossing ability. His defensive awareness and ability to contribute to attacks make him a key asset.
2. Sadık Çiftpınar
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: Trabzonspor, Galatasaray
Transfer Fee: €1.2 million (from Galatasaray, 2023)
Sadık Çiftpınar, a seasoned center-back, joined Kasımpaşa in 2023 after a successful stint with Galatasaray. Known for his physicality and leadership, Çiftpınar has been instrumental in shoring up the defense. His ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions has earned him a reputation as one of the league’s most dependable defenders.
3. Michał Karbownik
Nationality: Polish
Former Clubs: Legia Warsaw, Brighton & Hove Albion
Transfer Fee: €3 million (from Brighton, 2024)
Michał Karbownik, a left-back with a knack for joining the attack, was signed from Brighton in 2024. The Polish international is known for his dribbling skills and ability to deliver pinpoint crosses. His defensive discipline and offensive contributions make him a dual threat on the flank.
4. Yasin Özcan
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: Kasımpaşa Academy, Adana Demirspor (loan)
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
Yasin Özcan, a rising star from Kasımpaşa’s academy, has returned from a loan spell at Adana Demirspor. The 21-year-old center-back is praised for his composure on the ball and ability to play out from the back. His potential has drawn comparisons to some of Turkey’s finest defenders.
5. Tiago Lopes
Nationality: Portuguese
Former Clubs: Sporting CP, Famalicão
Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (from Famalicão, 2024)
Tiago Lopes, a versatile defender capable of playing both center-back and right-back, joined Kasımpaşa in 2024. The Portuguese defender is known for his tactical intelligence and ability to adapt to different defensive systems. His experience in European competitions adds depth to the squad.
Midfielders
1. Haris Hajradinović
Nationality: Bosnian
Former Clubs: Maccabi Tel Aviv, Kasımpaşa (loan)
Transfer Fee: €2.5 million (permanent signing, 2023)
Haris Hajradinović, a creative midfielder, has been a revelation since joining Kasımpaşa. The Bosnian international is known for his vision, passing range, and ability to score from distance. His set-piece expertise has also been a valuable asset for the team.
2. Morten Thorsby
Nationality: Norwegian
Former Clubs: Heerenveen, Sampdoria
Transfer Fee: €3.5 million (from Sampdoria, 2024)
Morten Thorsby, a box-to-box midfielder, was signed from Sampdoria in 2024. The Norwegian international is renowned for his stamina, tackling ability, and leadership qualities. His presence in midfield provides both defensive solidity and attacking impetus.
3. Younès Belhanda
Nationality: Moroccan
Former Clubs: Montpellier, Galatasaray, Adana Demirspor
Transfer Fee: Free Transfer (2024)
Younès Belhanda, a seasoned playmaker, joined Kasımpaşa on a free transfer in 2024. The Moroccan international brings a wealth of experience and creativity to the midfield. His ability to dictate the tempo of the game and unlock defenses with his passing makes him a key player.
4. Doğukan Emeksiz
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: Kasımpaşa Academy, Altay (loan)
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
Doğukan Emeksiz, a product of Kasımpaşa’s youth system, has emerged as a promising central midfielder. The 20-year-old is known for his technical skills and ability to control the midfield. His performances on loan at Altay earned him a recall to the first team.
5. Gustavo Assunção
Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: Famalicão, Almería
Transfer Fee: €4 million (from Almería, 2024)
Gustavo Assunção, a defensive midfielder, was signed from Almería in 2024. The Brazilian is known for his tenacity, ball-winning ability, and precise passing. His presence provides a solid foundation for the team’s attacking players to thrive.
Forwards
1. Mbaye Diagne
Nationality: Senegalese
Former Clubs: Galatasaray, West Bromwich Albion
Transfer Fee: €2 million (from Galatasaray, 2023)
Mbaye Diagne, a prolific striker, joined Kasımpaşa in 2023. The Senegalese forward is known for his physicality, aerial prowess, and clinical finishing. His experience in top leagues across Europe makes him a reliable goal-scoring threat.
2. Aytaç Kara
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: Trabzonspor, Kasımpaşa (loan)
Transfer Fee: €1.8 million (permanent signing, 2023)
Aytaç Kara, a versatile forward, has been a consistent performer for Kasımpaşa. The Turkish international is known for his dribbling skills, creativity, and ability to play across the front line. His partnership with Diagne has been a key factor in the team’s attacking success.
3. Andrija Radulović
Nationality: Montenegrin
Former Clubs: Partizan, Kasımpaşa (loan)
Transfer Fee: €2.2 million (permanent signing, 2024)
Andrija Radulović, a young winger, was signed permanently in 2024 after a successful loan spell. The Montenegrin international is known for his pace, trickery, and ability to deliver dangerous crosses. His potential has drawn interest from top European clubs.
4. Burak Çetinkaya
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: Kasımpaşa Academy, İstanbulspor (loan)
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
Burak Çetinkaya, a product of Kasımpaşa’s academy, has returned from a loan spell at İstanbulspor. The 19-year-old forward is known for his speed, agility, and eye for goal. His development is closely monitored by the coaching staff.
5. Mamadou Coulibaly
Nationality: Senegalese
Former Clubs: Nancy, Kasımpaşa (loan)
Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (permanent signing, 2024)
Mamadou Coulibaly, a powerful striker, was signed permanently in 2024. The Senegalese forward is known for his strength, hold-up play, and ability to score from difficult angles. His physical presence adds a new dimension to Kasımpaşa’s attack.
Conclusion
The 2024/25 Kasımpaşa SK squad is a well-balanced mix of experience, youth, and international talent. With strategic signings and a focus on nurturing homegrown players, the club is poised to make a significant impact in the Süper Lig. The blend of defensive solidity, midfield creativity, and attacking firepower ensures that Kasımpaşa will be a formidable opponent for any team. As the season unfolds, fans can look forward to an exciting brand of football and the potential for a memorable campaign.
