Eyupspor Midfielders 2024/25

Eyüpspor, a club with a rich history and a growing reputation in Turkish football, has been making waves in recent seasons. The 2024/25 campaign is no exception, as the team has assembled a midfield unit brimming with talent, versatility, and ambition. This season’s midfield roster reflects a blend of experienced campaigners, rising stars, and strategic acquisitions, all aimed at propelling Eyüpspor to new heights. In this post, we’ll take an in-depth look at each midfielder currently gracing the squad, exploring their backgrounds, strengths, and contributions to the team.

1. Emre Akbaba

Emre Akbaba, a Turkish international, is one of the most technically gifted players in Eyüpspor’s midfield. Born on October 4, 1992, in Alanya, Akbaba has carved out a reputation as a creative force capable of unlocking defenses with his vision and precision. Standing at 1.80 meters, he combines physical presence with exceptional ball control. Akbaba joined Eyüpspor in 2023 from Galatasaray, where he had a mixed spell due to injuries but showcased his quality in key moments. His transfer fee was reported to be around €1.5 million, a bargain for a player of his caliber. Known for his set-piece expertise and ability to score from distance, Akbaba has become a fan favorite at Eyüpspor. His experience in The Süper Lig and European competitions adds invaluable depth to the squad.

2. Muhammed Gümüşkaya

Muhammed Gümüşkaya, a young Turkish talent, is a product of Eyüpspor’s youth academy. Born on January 1, 2003, in Istanbul, Gümüşkaya has quickly risen through the ranks to establish himself as a key figure in the first team. A box-to-box midfielder, he is known for his tireless work rate, tenacity, and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. Gümüşkaya’s breakthrough season came in 2022/23, where his performances earned him a regular starting spot. Unlike many of his teammates, he has no transfer fee attached to his name, having been developed in-house. His potential has already attracted interest from larger clubs, but Eyüpspor’s management has made it clear that he is central to their long-term plans. Gümüşkaya’s energy and commitment make him a vital cog in the midfield.

3. Anderson Esiti

Anderson Esiti, a Nigerian defensive midfielder, brings a wealth of experience and physicality to Eyüpspor’s engine room. Born on May 24, 1994, in Lagos, Esiti has enjoyed a journeyman career, with stints in Portugal, Belgium, and Greece before arriving in Turkey. Eyüpspor secured his services in the summer of 2023 for a modest fee of €500,000 from PAOK, where he was a consistent performer in the Greek Super League. Standing at 1.88 meters, Esiti is a dominant presence in the air and excels in breaking up opposition play. His ability to shield the defense and distribute the ball efficiently has made him an indispensable part of the team. Esiti’s leadership qualities and calm demeanor under pressure have also earned him the respect of his teammates.

4. Ayman Abdelaziz

Ayman Abdelaziz, an Egyptian playmaker, is one of Eyüpspor’s most exciting signings in recent years. Born on January 10, 1997, in Cairo, Abdelaziz began his career at Al Ahly before moving to Europe to further his development. Eyüpspor signed him in 2022 from Swiss club FC Zürich for a fee of €2 million, a record for the club at the time. Known for his dribbling skills, close control, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game, Abdelaziz has quickly become a linchpin in the midfield. His flair and creativity have added a new dimension to Eyüpspor’s attacking play, making him a nightmare for opposing defenders. Despite his relatively young age, Abdelaziz has already amassed significant experience at both club and international levels, representing Egypt in multiple tournaments.

5. Berkay Özcan

Berkay Özcan, a versatile German-Turkish midfielder, joined Eyüpspor in 2023 from VfB Stuttgart, where he had struggled for consistent game time. Born on February 15, 1998, in Heilbronn, Germany, Özcan is a product of the Stuttgart youth academy and has represented Germany at various youth levels. Eyüpspor paid a fee of €1 million to secure his services, a move that has already paid dividends. Özcan’s ability to play in multiple midfield roles—whether as a deep-lying playmaker, box-to-box midfielder, or even in an advanced position—makes him a valuable asset. His technical proficiency, combined with his tactical intelligence, allows him to adapt seamlessly to different game situations. Özcan’s arrival has added a layer of sophistication to Eyüpspor’s midfield.

6. Ercan Kara

Ercan Kara, an Austrian forward who often drops into midfield, is another key figure in Eyüpspor’s setup. Born on January 9, 1996, in Vienna, Kara began his career at Rapid Vienna before moving to MLS side Orlando City. Eyüpspor signed him in 2023 for a fee of €1.2 million, and he has since become a fan favorite due to his work ethic and goal-scoring ability. While primarily a striker, Kara’s willingness to track back and contribute defensively has seen him deployed in a midfield role on occasion. His physicality and aerial prowess make him a threat in both boxes, while his ability to hold up the ball and bring teammates into play adds another dimension to Eyüpspor’s attack. Kara’s versatility and commitment have made him a crucial part of the squad.

7. İbrahim Akdağ

İbrahim Akdağ, a Turkish midfielder, is a seasoned campaigner with a wealth of experience in the Turkish leagues. Born on January 1, 1991, in Istanbul, Akdağ has spent the majority of his career at clubs such as Sivasspor and Kayserispor before joining Eyüpspor in 2022. His transfer was a free signing, as his contract with Kayserispor had expired. Akdağ is known for his composure on the ball, intelligent positioning, and ability to read the game. While not the most physically imposing player, his technical skills and passing range make him a valuable asset in the midfield. Akdağ’s leadership and experience have also been instrumental in guiding the younger players in the squad.

8. Yusuf Keskin

Yusuf Keskin, a promising Turkish youngster, is another academy graduate making waves in Eyüpspor’s first team. Born on March 12, 2004, in Istanbul, Keskin is a dynamic midfielder with a knack for scoring spectacular goals. He made his senior debut in the 2023/24 season and has since become a regular fixture in the squad. Keskin’s ability to drive forward with the ball, combined with his eye for goal, has drawn comparisons to some of Turkey’s finest midfielders. As a homegrown talent, Keskin represents the future of Eyüpspor, and the club is keen to nurture his development. His enthusiasm and fearlessness on the pitch have endeared him to the fans.

9. Tiago Lopes

Tiago Lopes, a Portuguese midfielder, is one of Eyüpspor’s most recent signings. Born on July 15, 1995, in Lisbon, Lopes began his career at Sporting CP before moving to clubs in Greece and Turkey. Eyüpspor signed him in the summer of 2024 from Çaykur Rizespor for a fee of €750,000. Lopes is a technically gifted player with excellent passing range and the ability to control the tempo of the game. His experience in different leagues has given him a well-rounded understanding of the game, making him a valuable addition to the squad. Lopes’ arrival has added depth and quality to Eyüpspor’s midfield, and he is expected to play a key role in the upcoming season.

10. Okan Derici

Okan Derici, a Turkish attacking midfielder, is known for his flair and creativity. Born on January 1, 1995, in Istanbul, Derici began his career at Beşiktaş before moving to clubs such as Gençlerbirliği and Konyaspor. Eyüpspor signed him in 2023 for a fee of €600,000, and he has since become a key player in the team’s attacking setup. Derici’s ability to create chances and score goals from midfield has made him a fan favorite. His quick feet and vision allow him to navigate tight spaces and deliver decisive passes. Derici’s experience and technical skills make him an integral part of Eyüpspor’s midfield.

Conclusion

Eyüpspor’s midfield for the 2024/25 season is a blend of youth and experience, creativity and grit, local talent and international flair. Each player brings unique qualities to the table, contributing to a well-rounded and dynamic unit capable of competing at the highest level. From the leadership of Emre Akbaba to the energy of Muhammed Gümüşkaya and the technical brilliance of Ayman Abdelaziz, Eyüpspor’s midfield is poised to be the driving force behind the team’s ambitions this season. As the campaign unfolds, fans can look forward to thrilling performances and memorable moments from this talented group of players.