Eyupspor, one of Turkey’s most storied football clubs, has been making waves in recent years as they continue to build a competitive squad capable of challenging for domestic and international honors. The 2024/25 season marks a pivotal moment for the club, as they aim to solidify their position among the elite. With a mix of experienced veterans, promising young talents, and strategic signings, Eyupspor’s squad is a blend of grit, skill, and ambition. This post delves into the intricacies of the team, breaking down the squad into goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards, while providing an in-depth analysis of each player’s background, achievements, and contributions to the team.
Goalkeepers
Ahmet Öztürk
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: Fenerbahçe, Kayserispor, Altay
Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (from Altay, 2023)
Ahmet Öztürk is Eyupspor’s first-choice goalkeeper, known for his commanding presence and exceptional shot-stopping abilities. Standing at 1.93 meters, he dominates the penalty area and is a reliable figure during set-pieces. Öztürk began his career at Fenerbahçe’s youth academy before moving to Kayserispor, where he gained valuable first-team experience. His transfer to Eyupspor in 2023 was a statement of intent, as the club sought a goalkeeper capable of delivering consistent performances. In the 2023/24 season, he kept 15 clean sheets in 34 league appearances, showcasing his importance to the team.
Emirhan Çakır
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: Galatasaray U19, Samsunspor
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2022)
Emirhan Çakır serves as Eyupspor’s backup goalkeeper, providing depth and competition for the starting role. A product of Galatasaray’s renowned youth system, Çakır has honed his skills over the years, developing into a dependable shot-stopper. Although he has yet to establish himself as a regular starter, his performances in cup competitions have been impressive. His agility and quick reflexes make him a valuable asset, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Mert Yılmaz
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: Eyupspor U19
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy graduate)
Mert Yılmaz is a promising young goalkeeper who has risen through the ranks of Eyupspor’s youth academy. At just 19 years old, he represents the future of the club’s goalkeeping department. Yılmaz has already made a few appearances in the Turkish Cup, demonstrating composure beyond his years. His distribution and ability to read the game are standout attributes, and he is expected to challenge for more playing time in the coming seasons.
Defenders
Caner Erkin
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: Fenerbahçe, Inter Milan, Beşiktaş
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Caner Erkin is a seasoned left-back with a wealth of experience at both club and international levels. Known for his attacking prowess and pinpoint crosses, Erkin has been a key figure in Eyupspor’s defensive setup since joining the club in 2023. His ability to contribute offensively while maintaining defensive solidity makes him a versatile asset. With over 50 caps for the Turkish national team, Erkin brings leadership and experience to the squad.
Ozan Kabak
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: Schalke 04, Liverpool, Norwich City
Transfer Fee: €3 million (from Norwich City, 2023)
Ozan Kabak is a towering center-back who has established himself as one of Eyupspor’s most reliable defenders. After stints in the Bundesliga and Premier League, Kabak returned to Turkey with a point to prove. His aerial dominance, tactical awareness, and ability to play out from the back have been instrumental in Eyupspor’s defensive success. Kabak’s €3 million transfer fee was seen as a bargain, given his pedigree and potential.
Serdar Aziz
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, Alanyaspor
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Serdar Aziz is a no-nonsense defender who excels in one-on-one situations. His physicality and ability to read the game make him a formidable opponent for any striker. Aziz’s experience at top Turkish clubs like Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe has been invaluable for Eyupspor, particularly in high-stakes matches. Despite being in the latter stages of his career, Aziz remains a key figure in the squad.
Zeki Çelik
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: Lille, Roma
Transfer Fee: €2.5 million (from Roma, 2024)
Zeki Çelik is a dynamic right-back who joined Eyupspor in the summer of 2024. Known for his tireless work rate and defensive discipline, Çelik has quickly become a fan favorite. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively adds balance to the team. Çelik’s experience in Serie A and Ligue 1 has equipped him with the skills to thrive in Eyupspor’s system.
Eren Albayrak
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: Çaykur Rizespor, Trabzonspor
Transfer Fee: €1 million (from Trabzonspor, 2023)
Eren Albayrak is a versatile defender capable of playing as a left-back or center-back. His adaptability and tactical intelligence make him a valuable asset for Eyupspor. Albayrak’s €1 million transfer fee was a shrewd piece of business, as he has consistently delivered solid performances. His ability to intercept passes and initiate counterattacks has been crucial for the team.
Midfielders
Irfan Can Kahveci
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: Başakşehir, Fenerbahçe
Transfer Fee: €4 million (from Fenerbahçe, 2024)
Irfan Can Kahveci is Eyupspor’s creative maestro, known for his vision, passing range, and ability to score from distance. His €4 million transfer from Fenerbahçe was a major coup for the club, as Kahveci is widely regarded as one of Turkey’s most talented midfielders. In the 2023/24 season, he recorded 8 goals and 12 assists, highlighting his importance to the team.
Mahmoud Dahoud
Nationality: German-Syrian
Former Clubs: Borussia Mönchengladbach, Borussia Dortmund
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Mahmoud Dahoud joined Eyupspor on a free transfer in 2024, bringing a wealth of experience from the Bundesliga. A technically gifted midfielder, Dahoud excels in dictating the tempo of the game and breaking up opposition play. His ability to transition from defense to attack seamlessly has added a new dimension to Eyupspor’s midfield.
Abdülkadir Ömür
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: Trabzonspor
Transfer Fee: €3.5 million (from Trabzonspor, 2023)
Abdülkadir Ömür is a dynamic box-to-box midfielder known for his energy and technical ability. His €3.5 million transfer from Trabzonspor was a significant investment, but Ömür has justified the fee with his consistent performances. He is equally adept at scoring goals and creating chances, making him a key player for Eyupspor.
Tolgay Arslan
Nationality: Turkish-German
Former Clubs: Hamburg, Beşiktaş, Udinese
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Tolgay Arslan is a versatile midfielder who can play in multiple roles, including defensive midfield and central midfield. His experience in top European leagues has been invaluable for Eyupspor, particularly in tight matches. Arslan’s leadership and composure on the ball make him a vital cog in the team’s midfield.
Yusuf Yazıcı
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: Trabzonspor, Lille
Transfer Fee: €2.8 million (from Lille, 2024)
Yusuf Yazıcı is an attacking midfielder with a knack for scoring crucial goals. His €2.8 million transfer from Lille was a statement signing for Eyupspor, as Yazıcı brings creativity and flair to the team. Known for his set-piece expertise and ability to unlock defenses, Yazıcı is a fan favorite.
Forwards
Mbaye Diagne
Nationality: Senegalese
Former Clubs: Galatasaray, West Bromwich Albion, Al-Ain
Transfer Fee: €2 million (from Al-Ain, 2023)
Mbaye Diagne is Eyupspor’s primary striker, known for his physicality and goal-scoring instincts. His €2 million transfer from Al-Ain was a shrewd piece of business, as Diagne has consistently delivered goals. In the 2023/24 season, he scored 18 goals in 30 appearances, cementing his status as the team’s talisman.
Cyle Larin
Nationality: Canadian
Former Clubs: Orlando City, Beşiktaş, Club Brugge
Transfer Fee: €3 million (from Club Brugge, 2024)
Cyle Larin is a versatile forward capable of playing as a center-forward or winger. His €3 million transfer from Club Brugge was a significant investment, but Larin’s pace and finishing ability have made him a key player. He scored 12 goals and provided 7 assists in his debut season, showcasing his impact.
Kerem Aktürkoğlu
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: Giresunspor, Galatasaray
Transfer Fee: €2.5 million (from Galatasaray, 2024)
Kerem Aktürkoğlu is a dynamic winger known for his dribbling skills and ability to create chances. His €2.5 million transfer from Galatasaray was a major signing for Eyupspor, as Aktürkoğlu adds flair and creativity to the attack. He recorded 10 assists in the 2023/24 season, highlighting his importance.
Enner Valencia
Nationality: Ecuadorian
Former Clubs: West Ham United, Everton, Fenerbahçe
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Enner Valencia is an experienced forward who joined Eyupspor on a free transfer in 2024. Known for his work rate and goal-scoring ability, Valencia has been a valuable addition to the squad. His experience in top leagues has been crucial in guiding the team’s younger players.
Conclusion
Eyupspor’s 2024/25 squad is a testament to the club’s ambition and strategic planning. With a blend of experienced veterans and exciting 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, Eyupspor fans can look forward to thrilling performances and a team that embodies the spirit of the club. The future looks bright for Eyupspor, and the 2024/25 season could be the start of something special.
