Gaziantep FK Squad 2024/25: A Comprehensive Overview
Gaziantep FK, a club steadily climbing the ranks in Turkish football, has meticulously assembled a squad for the 2024/25 season that blends youthful exuberance with seasoned experience. Known for their strategic recruitment and emphasis on developing talent, Gaziantep FK has made significant strides in recent years, aiming to solidify their position as a formidable force in the Süper Lig. This season’s roster reflects a balanced mix of domestic and international players, each bringing unique skills and attributes to the team. Below, we delve into the detailed breakdown of the squad, categorized by position, and provide an in-depth analysis of each player.
Goalkeepers
- Mert Günok
- Nationality: Turkish
- Former Clubs: Beşiktaş, İstanbul Başakşehir
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Mert Günok, a veteran Turkish goalkeeper, joined Gaziantep FK in 2023 after a successful stint with İstanbul Başakşehir. Known for his commanding presence in the box and exceptional shot-stopping abilities, Günok has been a reliable last line of defense for his teams. His experience in high-pressure situations, including UEFA Champions League matches, makes him an invaluable asset. Standing at 1.96 meters, he dominates aerial duels and is a vocal leader on the pitch. Günok’s distribution and ability to organize the defense have been crucial in Gaziantep’s recent campaigns.
- Muhammed Şengezer
- Nationality: Turkish
- Former Clubs: Altay, Ankaragücü
- Transfer Fee: €500,000 (2024)
Muhammed Şengezer, a rising star in Turkish football, was signed from Ankaragücü in 2024. At just 24 years old, Şengezer has already showcased his potential with remarkable reflexes and agility. His ability to make acrobatic saves in one-on-one situations has earned him praise from fans and pundits alike. Although still developing, his composure under pressure and willingness to learn from Günok make him a promising understudy. Şengezer’s €500,000 transfer fee is seen as a shrewd investment for the future.
- Berke Özer
- Nationality: Turkish
- Former Clubs: Fenerbahçe, Fortuna Sittard (loan)
- Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2024)
Berke Özer, a highly-rated young goalkeeper, was brought in from Fenerbahçe to provide competition for the starting spot. Known for his quick reflexes and excellent positioning, Özer has been touted as one of Turkey’s brightest prospects. His loan spell at Fortuna Sittard in the Eredivisie helped him gain valuable experience in a competitive league. At 23, he has already represented Turkey at various youth levels and is seen as a long-term solution for Gaziantep FK’s goalkeeping needs.
Defenders
- Papy Djilobodji
- Nationality: Senegalese
- Former Clubs: Chelsea, Sunderland, Dijon
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Papy Djilobodji, a towering center-back, joined Gaziantep FK in 2023 after a stint in France with Dijon. Standing at 1.92 meters, Djilobodji is a physical presence in defense, excelling in aerial duels and tackles. His experience in top leagues like the Premier League and Ligue 1 brings a wealth of knowledge to the squad. Despite occasional lapses in concentration, his ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions has been vital for Gaziantep’s defensive stability.
- Ertuğrul Ersoy
- Nationality: Turkish
- Former Clubs: Alanyaspor, Hatayspor
- Transfer Fee: €2 million (2024)
Ertuğrul Ersoy, a versatile defender capable of playing both center-back and left-back, was signed from Hatayspor in 2024. Known for his tactical intelligence and ability to play out from the back, Ersoy has become a key figure in Gaziantep’s defense. His €2 million transfer fee reflects his importance to the team, and his leadership qualities have earned him the vice-captaincy. Ersoy’s consistency and work ethic make him a fan favorite.
- Júnior Morais
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Former Clubs: Alanyaspor, Kayserispor
- Transfer Fee: €1.2 million (2023)
Júnior Morais, a Brazilian right-back, joined Gaziantep FK in 2023 from Kayserispor. Renowned for his attacking prowess and overlapping runs, Morais provides width and creativity down the flank. His defensive contributions, including timely tackles and interceptions, have also been commendable. Morais’ experience in the Süper Lig makes him a reliable option, and his chemistry with the midfielders has been a highlight of Gaziantep’s playstyle.
- Kamil Ahmet Çörekçi
- Nationality: Turkish
- Former Clubs: Sivasspor, Göztepe
- Transfer Fee: €750,000 (2024)
Kamil Ahmet Çörekçi, a young and dynamic center-back, was signed from Göztepe in 2024. At 22, Çörekçi has already shown maturity beyond his years, with excellent positioning and composure on the ball. His ability to play out from the back aligns with Gaziantep’s tactical approach, and his €750,000 transfer fee is seen as a bargain for a player with such potential. Çörekçi’s development will be closely monitored this season.
- Stelios Kitsiou
- Nationality: Greek
- Former Clubs: PAOK, Aris
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Stelios Kitsiou, a Greek full-back, joined Gaziantep FK in 2023 after leaving Aris. Known for his tireless work rate and defensive discipline, Kitsiou has been a consistent performer. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively makes him a valuable asset. Kitsiou’s experience in European competitions adds depth to the squad, and his leadership qualities have been instrumental in mentoring younger players.
Midfielders
- Jefferson
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Former Clubs: Trabzonspor, Flamengo
- Transfer Fee: €3 million (2024)
Jefferson, a Brazilian central midfielder, was Gaziantep FK’s marquee signing in 2024. Known for his vision, passing range, and ability to control the tempo of the game, Jefferson has quickly become the heartbeat of the team. His €3 million transfer fee from Trabzonspor underscores his importance, and his experience in top leagues makes him a standout performer. Jefferson’s set-piece delivery and knack for scoring from distance add an extra dimension to Gaziantep’s attack.
- Sofiane Feghouli
- Nationality: Algerian
- Former Clubs: West Ham United, Galatasaray
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Sofiane Feghouli, an Algerian winger, joined Gaziantep FK in 2023 after leaving Galatasaray. Known for his dribbling skills and creativity, Feghouli has been a key player in the final third. His experience in the Premier League and Süper Lig makes him a valuable asset, and his ability to deliver precise crosses and score crucial goals has been pivotal. Feghouli’s leadership and experience have also been vital in guiding younger players.
- Marko Jevtović
- Nationality: Serbian
- Former Clubs: Partizan, Alanyaspor
- Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2024)
Marko Jevtović, a Serbian defensive midfielder, was signed from Alanyaspor in 2024. Known for his tenacity and ability to break up play, Jevtović provides a solid shield for the defense. His €1.5 million transfer fee reflects his importance, and his physicality and work rate make him a fan favorite. Jevtović’s ability to distribute the ball effectively from deep positions has also been a key aspect of Gaziantep’s play.
- Abdulkadir Parmak
- Nationality: Turkish
- Former Clubs: Konyaspor, Ankaragücü
- Transfer Fee: €2 million (2024)
Abdulkadir Parmak, a Turkish attacking midfielder, joined Gaziantep FK in 2024 from Konyaspor. Known for his technical skills and ability to create chances, Parmak has been a creative force in the midfield. His €2 million transfer fee is justified by his consistent performances and ability to score from midfield. Parmak’s versatility and work ethic make him a key player for Gaziantep.
- Güray Vural
- Nationality: Turkish
- Former Clubs: Sivasspor, Kayserispor
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Güray Vural, a Turkish winger, joined Gaziantep FK in 2023 after leaving Kayserispor. Known for his pace and crossing ability, Vural has been a reliable option on the flanks. His experience in the Süper Lig makes him a valuable squad player, and his ability to deliver accurate crosses has been crucial. Vural’s work rate and defensive contributions also make him a well-rounded player.
Forwards
- Muhammet Demir
- Nationality: Turkish
- Former Clubs: Trabzonspor, Göztepe
- Transfer Fee: €2.5 million (2024)
Muhammet Demir, a Turkish striker, was signed from Göztepe in 2024. Known for his clinical finishing and ability to hold up play, Demir has been a key figure in Gaziantep’s attack. His €2.5 million transfer fee reflects his importance, and his ability to score in crucial moments has been pivotal. Demir’s physicality and aerial prowess make him a constant threat in the box.
- João Figueiredo
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Former Clubs: Braga, Moreirense
- Transfer Fee: €1.8 million (2024)
João Figueiredo, a Portuguese forward, joined Gaziantep FK in 2024 from Moreirense. Known for his pace and dribbling skills, Figueiredo has added a new dimension to the attack. His €1.8 million transfer fee is seen as a bargain for a player with such potential. Figueiredo’s ability to play across the front line makes him a versatile option.
- Mirko Antonucci
- Nationality: Italian
- Former Clubs: Roma, Venezia
- Transfer Fee: €1.2 million (2024)
Mirko Antonucci, an Italian winger, was signed from Venezia in 2024. Known for his technical skills and creativity, Antonucci has been a key player in the final third. His €1.2 million transfer fee reflects his potential, and his ability to create chances and score goals has been crucial. Antonucci’s versatility and work rate make him a valuable asset.
- Bobby Adekanye
- Nationality: Dutch
- Former Clubs: Liverpool, Lazio
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Bobby Adekanye, a Dutch winger, joined Gaziantep FK in 2023 after leaving Lazio. Known for his pace and dribbling skills, Adekanye has been a constant threat on the flanks. His experience in top leagues makes him a valuable asset, and his ability to deliver precise crosses and score goals has been pivotal. Adekanye’s work rate and defensive contributions also make him a well-rounded player.
Conclusion
Gaziantep FK’s 2024/25 squad is a testament to the club’s ambition and strategic planning. With a blend of experienced veterans and promising young talents, the team is well-equipped to compete at the highest level. Each player brings unique qualities to the table, contributing to a cohesive and dynamic unit. As the season unfolds, Gaziantep FK will aim to build on their recent successes and establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in Turkish football. The future looks bright for this ambitious club, and fans can look forward to an exciting campaign ahead.