Alanyaspor Squad 2024/25: A Comprehensive Overview
Alanyaspor, one of Turkey’s most exciting football clubs, has been making waves in the Süper Lig with its ambitious signings and dynamic playing style. The 2024/25 season promises to be another thrilling chapter for the club as they aim to solidify their position among the league’s elite. With a blend of experienced veterans, emerging talents, and strategic acquisitions, Alanyaspor’s squad is poised to deliver captivating performances. This post delves into the team’s roster, breaking it down into goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards, while providing an in-depth analysis of each player’s background, achievements, and contributions to the squad.
Goalkeepers
1. Ertuğrul Taşkıran
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: Fenerbahçe, Göztepe (loan), Altay
Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (from Altay, 2023)
Ertuğrul Taşkıran has established himself as Alanyaspor’s first-choice goalkeeper following his move from Altay in 2023. Known for his quick reflexes and commanding presence in the box, Taşkıran has been instrumental in keeping the team’s defensive line organized. His ability to make crucial saves in one-on-one situations has earned him praise from fans and pundits alike. With over 100 Süper Lig appearances, his experience is invaluable to the squad.
2. Marafona
Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: Braga, Nacional, Gaziantep FK
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2022)
A seasoned campaigner, Marafona brings a wealth of experience to Alanyaspor’s goalkeeping department. The Brazilian shot-stopper, who previously played for Braga in Portugal, joined the club on a free transfer in 2022. His leadership skills and ability to read the game make him a reliable backup option. Marafona’s distribution and composure under pressure have also been key assets for the team.
3. Furkan Köse
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: Galatasaray, Giresunspor (loan), Adana Demirspor
Transfer Fee: €500,000 (from Adana Demirspor, 2024)
Furkan Köse, a promising young goalkeeper, joined Alanyaspor in 2024 to provide depth to the squad. Having come through the ranks at Galatasaray, Köse has shown glimpses of his potential during loan spells at Giresunspor and Adana Demirspor. His agility and shot-stopping ability make him a valuable prospect for the future.
Defenders
1. Juanfran
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Watford, Leganés, Real Madrid Castilla
Transfer Fee: €2 million (from Leganés, 2023)
Juanfran, the Spanish right-back, has been a revelation since joining Alanyaspor in 2023. Known for his attacking prowess and defensive solidity, he has become a fan favorite. His ability to deliver pinpoint crosses and contribute to the attack while maintaining defensive discipline has been crucial for the team. With over 200 appearances in La Liga and the Premier League, Juanfran’s experience is a significant asset.
2. Fatih Aksoy
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: Beşiktaş, Antalyaspor, Sivasspor
Transfer Fee: €1.8 million (from Sivasspor, 2024)
Fatih Aksoy, a towering center-back, joined Alanyaspor in 2024 to bolster the defense. His physicality and aerial dominance make him a formidable presence in both boxes. Aksoy’s ability to read the game and make timely interceptions has been vital in thwarting opposition attacks. Having previously played for Beşiktaş, he brings a winning mentality to the squad.
3. Zvonimir Šarlija
Nationality: Croatian
Former Clubs: Osijek, HNK Gorica
Transfer Fee: €1.2 million (from Osijek, 2023)
Zvonimir Šarlija, the Croatian defender, has been a consistent performer for Alanyaspor since his arrival in 2023. Known for his composure on the ball and ability to play out from the back, Šarlija has added a new dimension to the team’s defensive play. His versatility allows him to operate as both a center-back and a defensive midfielder when needed.
4. Yusuf Özdemir
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: Trabzonspor, Kayserispor, Çaykur Rizespor
Transfer Fee: €800,000 (from Çaykur Rizespor, 2024)
Yusuf Özdemir, a versatile left-back, joined Alanyaspor in 2024 to provide competition in the defensive ranks. His pace and ability to overlap on the flank have made him a valuable asset in both defense and attack. Özdemir’s work rate and tactical awareness have earned him a regular spot in the starting lineup.
5. Jure Balkovec
Nationality: Slovenian
Former Clubs: Hellas Verona, Atalanta, FC Nordsjælland
Transfer Fee: €1 million (from Hellas Verona, 2023)
Jure Balkovec, the Slovenian left-back, has been a reliable presence in Alanyaspor’s defense since joining in 2023. His ability to contribute to both ends of the pitch, coupled with his set-piece delivery, has made him a key player. Balkovec’s experience in Serie A and the Danish Superliga adds depth to the squad.
Midfielders
1. Leroy Fer
Nationality: Dutch
Former Clubs: Swansea City, Norwich City, Feyenoord
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Leroy Fer, the experienced Dutch midfielder, joined Alanyaspor in 2023 to add steel to the midfield. Known for his physicality and box-to-box capabilities, Fer has been a driving force in the team’s engine room. His leadership and ability to score crucial goals have made him a fan favorite.
2. Efkan Bekiroğlu
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: Trabzonspor, Kasımpaşa, Göztepe
Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (from Göztepe, 2024)
Efkan Bekiroğlu, a creative midfielder, joined Alanyaspor in 2024 to enhance the team’s attacking options. His vision and passing range have been instrumental in unlocking opposition defenses. Bekiroğlu’s ability to dictate the tempo of the game has earned him a regular starting role.
3. Wilson Eduardo
Nationality: Portuguese
Former Clubs: Braga, Dinamo Zagreb, Granada
Transfer Fee: €2 million (from Braga, 2023)
Wilson Eduardo, the Portuguese winger, has been a standout performer for Alanyaspor since his arrival in 2023. Known for his pace and dribbling skills, Eduardo has been a constant threat on the flanks. His ability to score and create goals has made him a key player in the squad.
4. Salih Uçan
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: Roma, Fenerbahçe, Başakşehir
Transfer Fee: €1.2 million (from Başakşehir, 2024)
Salih Uçan, a technically gifted midfielder, joined Alanyaspor in 2024 to add creativity to the midfield. His ability to control the game and deliver incisive passes has been crucial in breaking down stubborn defenses. Uçan’s experience in Serie A and the Süper Lig adds depth to the squad.
5. Richard
Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: Grêmio, Fluminense, Al-Ittihad
Transfer Fee: €1.8 million (from Fluminense, 2023)
Richard, the Brazilian midfielder, has been a dynamic presence in Alanyaspor’s midfield since joining in 2023. Known for his energy and tackling ability, Richard has been a key player in both defense and attack. His ability to drive forward with the ball and contribute to the attack has been invaluable.
Forwards
1. Khaled Narey
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Fortuna Düsseldorf, Greuther Fürth, St. Pauli
Transfer Fee: €2.5 million (from Fortuna Düsseldorf, 2023)
Khaled Narey, the German winger, has been a revelation for Alanyaspor since joining in 2023. Known for his blistering pace and dribbling skills, Narey has been a constant threat on the flanks. His ability to score and create goals has made him a fan favorite.
2. David Akintola
Nationality: Nigerian
Former Clubs: Midtjylland, Adana Demirspor, Göztepe
Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (from Adana Demirspor, 2024)
David Akintola, the Nigerian forward, joined Alanyaspor in 2024 to bolster the attack. Known for his physicality and finishing ability, Akintola has been a key player in the team’s offensive setup. His ability to hold up the ball and bring others into play has been crucial.
3. Emre Akbaba
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: Galatasaray, Antalyaspor, Adana Demirspor
Transfer Fee: €2 million (from Galatasaray, 2023)
Emre Akbaba, the Turkish attacking midfielder, has been a standout performer for Alanyaspor since joining in 2023. Known for his creativity and goal-scoring ability, Akbaba has been a key player in the team’s attacking setup. His ability to link up play and score crucial goals has made him a fan favorite.
4. Pape Alioune Ndiaye
Nationality: Senegalese
Former Clubs: Galatasaray, Newcastle United, Stoke City
Transfer Fee: €1.2 million (from Galatasaray, 2024)
Pape Alioune Ndiaye, the Senegalese forward, joined Alanyaspor in 2024 to add depth to the attack. Known for his physicality and aerial ability, Ndiaye has been a key player in the team’s offensive setup. His ability to hold up the ball and bring others into play has been crucial.
5. Daniel Candeias
Nationality: Portuguese
Former Clubs: Rangers, Benfica, Ferencváros
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Daniel Candeias, the Portuguese winger, joined Alanyaspor in 2023 to provide experience and creativity on the flanks. Known for his crossing ability and work rate, Candeias has been a valuable asset in the team’s attacking setup. His ability to deliver pinpoint crosses and create chances has been crucial.
Conclusion
Alanyaspor’s squad for the 2024/25 season is a perfect blend of youth and experience, with players from diverse backgrounds contributing to the team’s success. The club’s strategic signings and focus on developing young talents have laid the foundation for a promising future. As the season unfolds, fans can look forward to thrilling performances and a strong push for silverware. With a balanced roster and a clear vision, Alanyaspor is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the Süper Lig and beyond.