Hatayspor Squad 2024/25
Introduction
The 2024/25 season marks an exciting chapter for Hatayspor as the club continues to build a competitive squad capable of making waves in the Turkish Süper Lig. Known for their resilience and ambition, Hatayspor has made strategic signings and retained key players to ensure a balanced team across all positions. This season’s squad reflects a blend of experienced veterans, promising young talents, and shrewd acquisitions from both domestic and international markets. Below, we delve into the detailed breakdown of the Hatayspor squad for the 2024/25 campaign, examining each player’s background, achievements, and contributions to the team.
Goalkeepers
- Erce Kardeşler
- Nationality: Turkish
- Former Clubs: Altay, Göztepe
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2022)
Erce Kardeşler has established himself as Hatayspor’s first-choice goalkeeper, thanks to his exceptional reflexes and commanding presence in the box. Standing at 1.90 meters, Kardeşler is a formidable figure during set-pieces and one-on-one situations. His journey from Altay to Göztepe and finally to Hatayspor has seen him mature into a reliable shot-stopper. In the 2023/24 season, he kept 10 clean sheets and made over 80 saves, earning praise for his consistency. Kardeşler’s leadership qualities and ability to organize the defense make him an invaluable asset.
- Muammer Yıldırım
- Nationality: Turkish
- Former Clubs: Kayserispor, Sivasspor
- Transfer Fee: €500,000 (2023)
Muammer Yıldırım serves as a dependable backup to Kardeşler, bringing experience and composure to the goalkeeping department. Having previously played for Kayserispor and Sivasspor, Yıldırım is well-versed in the demands of the Süper Lig. His agility and quick decision-making have bailed Hatayspor out of tight situations on multiple occasions. Despite limited appearances last season, he maintained a save percentage of 72%, showcasing his readiness to step up when called upon.
- Arda Özçimen
- Nationality: Turkish
- Former Clubs: Hatayspor Academy
- Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
Arda Özçimen is a promising young goalkeeper who has risen through the ranks of Hatayspor’s youth system. At just 20 years old, he represents the future of the club’s goalkeeping department. Özçimen’s quick reflexes and ability to read the game have earned him a spot in the senior squad. While he is yet to make his Süper Lig debut, his performances in the reserve league have been impressive, with 15 clean sheets in 25 appearances last season.
Defenders
- Sam Adekugbe
- Nationality: Canadian
- Former Clubs: Vancouver Whitecaps, IFK Göteborg
- Transfer Fee: €1.2 million (2021)
Sam Adekugbe is a dynamic left-back known for his tireless work rate and attacking contributions. The Canadian international joined Hatayspor in 2021 and has since become a fan favorite. Adekugbe’s ability to overlap and deliver pinpoint crosses has added a new dimension to Hatayspor’s attack. Defensively, he is equally adept, with a tackle success rate of 68% last season. His experience in European leagues and international competitions brings a wealth of knowledge to the squad.
- Mesut Çaytemel
- Nationality: Turkish
- Former Clubs: Gaziantep FK, Konyaspor
- Transfer Fee: €750,000 (2023)
Mesut Çaytemel is a versatile defender capable of playing both as a center-back and right-back. His physicality and aerial prowess make him a key figure in set-piece situations. Çaytemel joined Hatayspor from Gaziantep FK in 2023 and quickly cemented his place in the starting lineup. Last season, he made 32 appearances, scoring 3 goals and providing 2 assists. His no-nonsense approach and ability to read the game have been instrumental in shoring up Hatayspor’s defense.
- Ognjen Vranješ
- Nationality: Bosnian
- Former Clubs: Anderlecht, Al-Ahli
- Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2022)
Ognjen Vranješ is a seasoned center-back with a wealth of experience in top European leagues. The Bosnian international joined Hatayspor in 2022 and has since been a pillar of the defense. Standing at 1.93 meters, Vranješ is dominant in the air and excels in intercepting opposition attacks. Last season, he averaged 5 clearances and 2.5 interceptions per game. His leadership on and off the pitch has been crucial in guiding the younger players.
- Lamine Gassama
- Nationality: Senegalese
- Former Clubs: Lyon, Alanyaspor
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Lamine Gassama is a reliable right-back known for his defensive discipline and ability to contribute to the attack. The Senegalese international joined Hatayspor on a free transfer in 2023 after a successful stint with Alanyaspor. Gassama’s pace and stamina allow him to cover the entire flank, making him a valuable asset in both defense and attack. Last season, he provided 4 assists and maintained a tackle success rate of 70%.
- Zvonimir Šarlija
- Nationality: Croatian
- Former Clubs: Osijek, Dinamo Zagreb
- Transfer Fee: €2 million (2024)
Zvonimir Šarlija is Hatayspor’s marquee defensive signing for the 2024/25 season. The Croatian center-back brings a wealth of experience from his time in the Croatian First League. Known for his composure on the ball and ability to play out from the back, Šarlija is expected to form a formidable partnership with Vranješ. His arrival for a fee of €2 million underscores Hatayspor’s ambition to strengthen their backline.
Midfielders
- Ruben Ribeiro
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Former Clubs: Moreirense, Alanyaspor
- Transfer Fee: €1.8 million (2023)
Ruben Ribeiro is a creative midfielder who has been instrumental in Hatayspor’s attacking play since his arrival in 2023. The Portuguese playmaker is known for his vision, passing accuracy, and ability to score from distance. Last season, he contributed 8 goals and 10 assists, making him one of the most productive midfielders in the league. Ribeiro’s technical skills and flair have made him a key figure in the squad.
- Berat Özdemir
- Nationality: Turkish
- Former Clubs: Trabzonspor, Gençlerbirliği
- Transfer Fee: €1 million (2022)
Berat Özdemir is a box-to-box midfielder known for his energy and tenacity. The Turkish international joined Hatayspor in 2022 and has since been a mainstay in the midfield. Özdemir’s ability to break up play and drive forward with the ball has been crucial in transitioning defense into attack. Last season, he averaged 3.5 tackles and 2 key passes per game, highlighting his all-around contribution.
- Awer Mabil
- Nationality: Australian
- Former Clubs: Midtjylland, Cadiz
- Transfer Fee: €1.2 million (2024)
Awer Mabil is a versatile winger who joined Hatayspor in 2024 after a successful spell in La Liga with Cadiz. The Australian international is known for his pace, dribbling skills, and ability to deliver dangerous crosses. Mabil’s arrival adds depth and quality to Hatayspor’s wide options. Last season, he scored 6 goals and provided 7 assists, showcasing his attacking prowess.
- Carlos Strandberg
- Nationality: Swedish
- Former Clubs: CSKA Moscow, Beşiktaş
- Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2023)
Carlos Strandberg is a powerful attacking midfielder who can also operate as a second striker. The Swedish international joined Hatayspor in 2023 and has since been a key contributor in the final third. Strandberg’s physicality and eye for goal make him a constant threat to opposition defenses. Last season, he scored 12 goals and provided 5 assists, cementing his status as one of the team’s standout performers.
Forwards
- Ayoub El Kaabi
- Nationality: Moroccan
- Former Clubs: Wydad Casablanca, Hebei China Fortune
- Transfer Fee: €2.5 million (2024)
Ayoub El Kaabi is Hatayspor’s star striker for the 2024/25 season. The Moroccan international joined from Chinese club Hebei China Fortune for a club-record fee of €2.5 million. El Kaabi is a prolific goal scorer known for his clinical finishing and ability to hold up play. Last season, he netted 18 goals in 25 appearances, making him one of the most sought-after forwards in the transfer market.
- Saba Lobzhanidze
- Nationality: Georgian
- Former Clubs: Rubin Kazan, Ankaragücü
- Transfer Fee: €1 million (2023)
Saba Lobzhanidze is a versatile forward who can play on either wing or as a central striker. The Georgian international joined Hatayspor in 2023 and has since been a consistent performer. Lobzhanidze’s dribbling skills and ability to create chances have been crucial in unlocking tight defenses. Last season, he contributed 7 goals and 8 assists, showcasing his importance to the team.
- Burak Camoglu
- Nationality: Turkish
- Former Clubs: Hatayspor Academy
- Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
Burak Camoglu is a young forward who has emerged from Hatayspor’s youth system. At just 19 years old, he has already shown glimpses of his potential with his pace and finishing ability. Camoglu made his senior debut last season and scored 3 goals in limited appearances. His development will be closely monitored as he looks to establish himself in the first team.
Conclusion
The 2024/25 Hatayspor squad is a well-rounded unit with a mix of experience, youth, and talent. The club’s strategic signings and emphasis on developing homegrown players have laid a strong foundation for success. With a solid defense, creative midfield, and lethal attack, Hatayspor is poised to compete at the highest level in the Süper Lig. Fans can look forward to an exciting season filled with thrilling performances and memorable moments.