Antalyaspor, one of Turkey’s most ambitious football clubs, has been making waves in the Süper Lig with its strategic signings and focus on building a competitive squad for the 2024/25 season. Known for their passionate fanbase and commitment to nurturing both local and international talent, the club has assembled a balanced roster that blends experience with youthful exuberance. This season, Antalyaspor aims to challenge for European qualification while continuing to develop players who can make an impact on the domestic and international stage. Below, we take an in-depth look at the squad, breaking it down into goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards, with detailed profiles of each player.
Goalkeepers
Ruud Boffin
Nationality: Belgian
Former Clubs: MVV Maastricht, West Ham United, Eintracht Frankfurt
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Ruud Boffin, a seasoned goalkeeper with extensive experience in European football, joined Antalyaspor in 2023 after a successful stint in the Austrian Bundesliga. Known for his commanding presence in the box and exceptional reflexes, Boffin has become a reliable last line of defense for the team. His ability to organize the backline and make crucial saves in high-pressure situations has earned him the trust of the coaching staff. At 36, he brings invaluable experience to the squad, mentoring younger goalkeepers while maintaining high performance levels.
Alperen Uysal
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: Altay, Giresunspor
Transfer Fee: €500,000 (2022)
Alperen Uysal, a promising Turkish shot-stopper, has been with Antalyaspor since 2022. At just 24 years old, Uysal has shown remarkable growth, particularly in his distribution and ability to read the game. His agility and quick reflexes make him a strong contender for the starting role in the future. Uysal’s dedication to improving his craft has made him a fan favorite, and he is seen as a long-term investment for the club.
Diego López
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Real Madrid, Sevilla, AC Milan
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
A recent addition to the squad, Diego López brings a wealth of experience from top European leagues. The 42-year-old Spaniard, known for his calm demeanor and excellent positioning, joined Antalyaspor on a free transfer in 2024. While he may not be the first-choice goalkeeper, his leadership and mentorship are invaluable assets to the team. López’s presence also provides healthy competition for Boffin and Uysal, ensuring high standards are maintained.
Defenders
Ömer Toprak
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: SC Freiburg, Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund
Transfer Fee: €2.5 million (2023)
Ömer Toprak, a veteran Turkish defender, joined Antalyaspor in 2023 after a successful career in the Bundesliga. Known for his composure, aerial prowess, and ability to read the game, Toprak has solidified the team’s defense. His leadership on and off the pitch has been instrumental in guiding younger players, and his experience in top European competitions adds a layer of sophistication to Antalyaspor’s backline.
Feddal
Nationality: Moroccan
Former Clubs: Real Betis, Espanyol, Sporting CP
Transfer Fee: €1.8 million (2022)
Feddal, a Moroccan international, has been a key figure in Antalyaspor’s defense since his arrival in 2022. His versatility allows him to play as a center-back or left-back, providing tactical flexibility for the manager. Feddal’s technical skills, combined with his physicality, make him a formidable opponent for any forward. His ability to play out from the back has also been crucial in Antalyaspor’s build-up play.
Nazım Sangaré
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: Galatasaray, İstanbul Başakşehir
Transfer Fee: €3 million (2023)
Nazım Sangaré, a dynamic right-back, joined Antalyaspor in 2023 after impressing at İstanbul Başakşehir. Known for his blistering pace and crossing ability, Sangaré is a constant threat on the right flank. Defensively, he is disciplined and rarely caught out of position. His contributions in both attack and defense have made him an indispensable part of the squad.
Enes Albak
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: Altınordu, Göztepe
Transfer Fee: €750,000 (2021)
Enes Albak, a young and talented center-back, has been with Antalyaspor since 2021. At 22, he has already shown maturity beyond his years, with excellent positioning and tackling skills. Albak’s potential has attracted interest from larger clubs, but Antalyaspor has managed to retain him, viewing him as a cornerstone of their future defense.
Andrea Masiello
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Atalanta, Bari, Genoa
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Andrea Masiello, an experienced Italian defender, joined Antalyaspor in 2024. Known for his tactical intelligence and ability to play in a three-man or four-man defense, Masiello has added depth to the squad. His leadership and experience in Serie A have been invaluable, particularly in high-stakes matches.
Midfielders
Haji Wright
Nationality: American
Former Clubs: Schalke 04, VVV-Venlo, SønderjyskE
Transfer Fee: €2 million (2023)
Haji Wright, a versatile attacking midfielder, joined Antalyaspor in 2023. The American international is known for his creativity, vision, and ability to score from distance. Wright’s adaptability allows him to play in multiple positions across the midfield, making him a valuable asset for the team. His performances have already made him a fan favorite, and he is expected to play a pivotal role this season.
Fernando
Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: Shakhtar Donetsk, Sampdoria, Sevilla
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Fernando, a Brazilian defensive midfielder, joined Antalyaspor in 2024 after a successful career in Europe. Known for his tenacity and ability to break up play, Fernando provides a solid shield for the defense. His passing range and composure under pressure have also added a new dimension to Antalyaspor’s midfield.
Erdal Rakip
Nationality: Swedish
Former Clubs: Malmö FF, Benfica, Crystal Palace
Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2022)
Erdal Rakip, a Swedish midfielder of Turkish descent, has been a consistent performer for Antalyaspor since his arrival in 2022. His ability to control the tempo of the game and deliver precise set-pieces has made him a key player. Rakip’s work rate and tactical awareness have also been crucial in both defensive and offensive transitions.
Güven Yalçın
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: Beşiktaş, Hatayspor
Transfer Fee: €1 million (2023)
Güven Yalçın, a talented central midfielder, joined Antalyaspor in 2023. Known for his technical skills and ability to dictate play, Yalçın has quickly established himself as a regular starter. His vision and passing accuracy have been instrumental in creating scoring opportunities for the team.
Amir Hadžiahmetović
Nationality: Bosnian
Former Clubs: Konyaspor, Gaziantep FK
Transfer Fee: €2.2 million (2023)
Amir Hadžiahmetović, a Bosnian international, joined Antalyaspor in 2023. A box-to-box midfielder, Hadžiahmetović is known for his energy, tackling, and ability to contribute to both defense and attack. His leadership qualities and experience in the Süper Lig have made him a vital part of the squad.
Forwards
Adriano
Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: Barcelona, Beşiktaş, Shandong Luneng
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Adriano, a seasoned Brazilian forward, joined Antalyaspor in 2024. Known for his pace, dribbling, and clinical finishing, Adriano has added a new dimension to the team’s attack. His experience in top leagues around the world has been invaluable, particularly in mentoring younger players.
Paul Mukairu
Nationality: Nigerian
Former Clubs: FC Copenhagen, Anderlecht
Transfer Fee: €1.8 million (2023)
Paul Mukairu, a Nigerian winger, joined Antalyaspor in 2023. Known for his speed and ability to take on defenders, Mukairu has been a constant threat on the flanks. His versatility allows him to play as a winger or second striker, providing tactical flexibility for the manager.
Fredrik Gulbrandsen
Nationality: Norwegian
Former Clubs: Red Bull Salzburg, RB Leipzig, İstanbul Başakşehir
Transfer Fee: €1.2 million (2022)
Fredrik Gulbrandsen, a Norwegian forward, has been with Antalyaspor since 2022. Known for his intelligent movement and finishing, Gulbrandsen has been a consistent goal scorer for the team. His ability to link up play and create chances for teammates has also been crucial.
Bünyamin Balat
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: Altınordu, Samsunspor
Transfer Fee: €800,000 (2023)
Bünyamin Balat, a young Turkish forward, joined Antalyaspor in 2023. At just 21, Balat has shown immense potential, with his pace and dribbling skills catching the eye of fans and pundits alike. His development has been a priority for the club, and he is seen as a future star.
Conclusion
Antalyaspor’s 2024/25 squad is a blend of experienced veterans and exciting young talent, reflecting the club’s ambition to compete at the highest level. With a strong defensive unit, a creative midfield, and a dynamic attack, the team is well-equipped to challenge for honors this season. The strategic signings and focus on player development highlight the club’s long-term vision, ensuring that Antalyaspor remains a force to be reckoned with in Turkish football. As the season unfolds, fans can look forward to thrilling performances and a team that embodies the spirit of determination and excellence.
