Caykur Rizespor Midfielders 2024/25
Caykur Rizespor, a club with a rich history in Turkish football, has always been known for its dynamic and hardworking midfielders. The 2024/25 season is no exception, as the team boasts a blend of experienced veterans and promising young talents. This post delves into the current midfield roster, providing an in-depth look at each player’s background, skills, and contributions to the team. From creative playmakers to defensive stalwarts, Rizespor’s midfield is poised to be a cornerstone of their success this season.
1. Altin Zeqiri
Nationality: Kosovo
Former Clubs: KF Shkëndija, FC Basel, Kasımpaşa
Transfer Fee: €1.5 million
Altin Zeqiri, a versatile midfielder from Kosovo, has quickly become a fan favorite at Caykur Rizespor. Known for his technical prowess and ability to dictate the tempo of the game, Zeqiri joined the club in the summer of 2023 from Kasımpaşa for a modest fee of €1.5 million. His journey began at KF Shkëndija in Macedonia, where his performances caught the eye of Swiss giants FC Basel. At Basel, he honed his skills in a competitive environment, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure. Zeqiri’s vision and passing accuracy make him a key component of Rizespor’s attacking transitions. His knack for scoring from distance adds an extra dimension to his game, making him a constant threat to opposition defenses.
2. Fabricio Baiano
Nationality: Brazil
Former Clubs: Fluminense, Al-Ittihad, Göztepe.
Transfer Fee: Free Transfer
Fabricio Baiano, the Brazilian maestro, brings a wealth of experience and flair to Rizespor’s midfield. Having started his career at Fluminense, Baiano’s journey took him to the Middle East with Al-Ittihad before he returned to Turkey with Göztepe. His free transfer to Rizespor in 2022 was a masterstroke, as he has since become a linchpin in the team’s setup. Baiano’s dribbling skills and close control allow him to navigate tight spaces with ease, while his ability to deliver pinpoint crosses has resulted in numerous assists. Despite his age, the Brazilian continues to defy expectations with his stamina and work rate, often covering every blade of grass during matches.
3. Jonjo Shelvey
Nationality: England
Former Clubs: Liverpool, Swansea City, Newcastle United.
Transfer Fee: €2 million
Jonjo Shelvey, the English midfield enforcer, joined Rizespor in the summer of 2024 from Nottingham Forest for a fee of €2 million. Shelvey’s career has seen him play for some of England’s most storied clubs, including Liverpool and Newcastle United. Known for his powerful shooting and exceptional range of passing, Shelvey adds a layer of sophistication to Rizespor’s midfield. His leadership qualities and experience in high-pressure situations make him an invaluable asset, particularly in guiding the younger players. Shelvey’s ability to switch play with long diagonal passes often catches opponents off guard, creating opportunities for his teammates.
4. Azubuike Okechukwu
Nationality: Nigeria
Former Clubs: Pyramids FC, Çaykur Rizespor (loan), Yeni Malatyaspor.
Transfer Fee: €1 million
Azubuike Okechukwu, the Nigerian powerhouse, returned to Rizespor on a permanent deal in 2023 after a successful loan spell. Initially joining from Pyramids FC in Egypt, Okechukwu’s physicality and defensive acumen have made him a mainstay in the team. His ability to break up play and shield the backline is second to none, earning him the nickname “The Wall” among fans. Okechukwu’s journey from Nigeria to Turkey has been marked by consistent performances and a relentless work ethic. His presence in midfield allows the more attack-minded players to flourish, knowing they have a reliable anchor behind them.
5. Lebogang Phiri
Nationality: South Africa
Former Clubs: Brøndby IF, Guingamp, Çaykur Rizespor.
Transfer Fee: €800,000
Lebogang Phiri, the South African international, has been a revelation since joining Rizespor in 2022. Having previously played for Brøndby IF in Denmark and Guingamp in France, Phiri’s adaptability and tactical intelligence have made him a key figure in the squad. His ability to play both as a box-to-box midfielder and a deep-lying playmaker gives the team tactical flexibility. Phiri’s energy and tenacity are complemented by his technical skills, making him a well-rounded midfielder. His contributions often go beyond the stat sheet, as his off-the-ball movement and pressing create space and opportunities for his teammates.
6. Eren Karataş
Nationality: Turkey
Former Clubs: Altınordu, Giresunspor, Çaykur Rizespor.
Transfer Fee: Academy Graduate
Eren Karataş, a product of Rizespor’s youth academy, represents the club’s commitment to nurturing local talent. The Turkish midfielder has steadily risen through the ranks, earning a spot in the first team with his consistent performances. Karataş’s understanding of the game and ability to read opposition movements make him a valuable asset in both attack and defense. His close control and quick feet allow him to navigate crowded midfield areas, while his composure under pressure ensures he rarely gives away possession. As a homegrown player, Karataş embodies the spirit and identity of the club, making him a fan favorite.
7. Damjan Đoković
Nationality: Serbia
Former Clubs: Red Star Belgrade, Partizan, Çaykur Rizespor.
Transfer Fee: €1.2 million
Damjan Đoković, the Serbian midfield dynamo, joined Rizespor in 2023 from Partizan Belgrade for a fee of €1.2 million. Known for his tireless work rate and ability to cover ground, Đoković has quickly established himself as a key player. His experience in the Serbian SuperLiga, where he played for both Red Star Belgrade and Partizan, has equipped him with the mental toughness required to excel in high-stakes matches. Đoković’s ability to win aerial duels and his proficiency in set-piece situations add another dimension to his game. His leadership on and off the pitch has earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches alike.
8. Muhammet Taha Şahin
Nationality: Turkey
Former Clubs: Beşiktaş (youth), Çaykur Rizespor (loan), Adana Demirspor.
Transfer Fee: Loan Return
Muhammet Taha Şahin, a promising Turkish midfielder, returned to Rizespor after a loan spell at Adana Demirspor. A product of Beşiktaş’s renowned youth academy, Şahin’s technical skills and vision have drawn comparisons to some of Turkey’s finest playmakers. His ability to thread precise through balls and his composure in front of goal make him a constant threat in the final third. Şahin’s development has been closely monitored by the coaching staff, who believe he has the potential to become one of the league’s standout players. His return to Rizespor has bolstered the team’s creative options, providing a spark in midfield.
9. Yannick Bolasie
Nationality: DR Congo
Former Clubs: Crystal Palace, Everton, Sporting CP.
Transfer Fee: Free Transfer
Yannick Bolasie, the Congolese winger-turned-midfielder, joined Rizespor on a free transfer in 2024. Known for his flair and unpredictability, Bolasie’s career has taken him from Crystal Palace to Everton and even Sporting CP in Portugal. His versatility allows him to operate both on the wing and in central midfield, providing the team with tactical flexibility. Bolasie’s dribbling skills and ability to take on defenders make him a nightmare for opposition full-backs. Despite his age, he continues to bring excitement and creativity to the pitch, often producing moments of magic that leave fans in awe.
10. Emirhan Topçu
Nationality: Turkey
Former Clubs: Altay, Çaykur Rizespor (loan), Samsunspor.
Transfer Fee: Loan Return
Emirhan Topçu, another Turkish talent, returned to Rizespor after a loan spell at Samsunspor. The young midfielder’s ability to control the tempo of the game and his excellent passing range have made him a valuable asset. Topçu’s journey from Altay to Rizespor has been marked by steady progress and a willingness to learn. His performances in the lower leagues earned him a chance to prove himself at the highest level, and he has not disappointed. Topçu’s calm demeanor and ability to retain possession under pressure make him a reliable option in midfield. His future looks bright, and he is expected to play a significant role in the team’s plans.
Conclusion
Caykur Rizespor’s midfield for the 2024/25 season is a blend of experience, youth, and international flair. From the creative genius of Altin Zeqiri to the defensive solidity of Azubuike Okechukwu, each player brings unique qualities to the table. The likes of Jonjo Shelvey and Yannick Bolasie add a touch of star power, while homegrown talents like Eren Karataş and Emirhan Topçu represent the club’s future. Together, this group of midfielders forms the backbone of a team that is determined to make its mark in Turkish football. As the season unfolds, fans can look forward to thrilling performances and memorable moments from this talented ensemble.
