Kayserispor Squad 2024/25
Kayserispor, a prominent Turkish football club, has been making waves in the Süper Lig with its strategic signings and development of young talent. The 2024/25 season promises to be an exciting chapter for the club, as they aim to build on their recent successes and challenge for higher honors. This season’s squad is a blend of experienced veterans, emerging stars, and shrewd acquisitions, all of whom bring unique qualities to the team. Below, we delve into the detailed breakdown of the Kayserispor squad for the 2024/25 season, categorized by position. Each player’s profile includes their nationality, career trajectory, transfer history, and key attributes that make them integral to the team’s ambitions.
Goalkeepers
- Mert Günok
- Nationality: Turkish
- Former Clubs: İstanbul Başakşehir, Bursaspor, Fenerbahçe
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Mert Günok, a seasoned Turkish goalkeeper, joined Kayserispor 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 the team. His experience in the Süper Lig and European competitions brings invaluable leadership to the squad. Standing at 1.96 meters, he dominates aerial duels and is adept at organizing the defensive line. Günok’s reflexes and ability to perform under pressure have earned him a reputation as one of Turkey’s top goalkeepers.
- Bilal Bayazit
- Nationality: Turkish
- Former Clubs: Kayserispor Academy
- Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy graduate)
Bilal Bayazit is a promising young goalkeeper who has risen through the ranks of Kayserispor’s youth academy. At just 21 years old, Bayazit has already shown glimpses of his potential, particularly in his distribution and composure under pressure. While he is still developing, his agility and quick reflexes make him a capable backup to Günok. Bayazit’s dedication to improving his game and his familiarity with the club’s setup make him an exciting prospect for the future.
- Muammer Yildirim
- Nationality: Turkish
- Former Clubs: Sivasspor, Giresunspor
- Transfer Fee: €500,000 (2024)
Muammer Yildirim joined Kayserispor in the summer of 2024 as a backup option. With prior experience in the Süper Lig, Yildirim provides depth to the goalkeeping department. His strengths lie in his positioning and ability to read the game, though he is still working on consistency. Yildirim’s arrival ensures healthy competition within the squad and adds experience to the team’s defensive unit.
Defenders
- Dimitrios Kolovetsios
- Nationality: Greek
- Former Clubs: AEK Athens, Stuttgart, Vojvodina
- Transfer Fee: €1.2 million (2022)
Kolovetsios is a towering central defender known for his physicality and aerial prowess. Since joining Kayserispor in 2022, he has been a mainstay in the backline, offering stability and leadership. His ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions has been instrumental in the team’s defensive solidity. Kolovetsios’ experience in top European leagues adds a layer of maturity to the squad, making him a key figure in the defense.
- Joseph Attamah
- Nationality: Ghanaian
- Former Clubs: İstanbul Başakşehir, Çaykur Rizespor
- Transfer Fee: €800,000 (2021)
Attamah is a versatile defender capable of playing both as a center-back and right-back. His athleticism and tenacity make him a tough opponent for any forward. Since joining Kayserispor, Attamah has been a consistent performer, contributing both defensively and offensively. His ability to carry the ball forward and deliver accurate crosses adds an extra dimension to the team’s play.
- Arif Kocaman
- Nationality: Turkish
- Former Clubs: Kayserispor Academy
- Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy graduate)
A product of Kayserispor’s youth system, Arif Kocaman has quickly established himself as a reliable left-back. His pace and stamina allow him to contribute effectively in both defense and attack. Kocaman’s understanding of the game and willingness to learn have earned him a regular spot in the starting lineup. At just 22 years old, he represents the future of Kayserispor’s defense.
- Lionel Carole
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Galatasaray, Strasbourg, PSG
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Lionel Carole brought a wealth of experience to Kayserispor when he joined in 2023. The French left-back is known for his technical skills and ability to deliver pinpoint crosses. His time at Galatasaray and PSG has honed his defensive instincts, making him a valuable asset. Carole’s leadership and experience have been crucial in guiding the younger players in the squad.
- Onur Bulut
- Nationality: Turkish
- Former Clubs: Trabzonspor, Göztepe
- Transfer Fee: €1 million (2024)
Onur Bulut joined Kayserispor in 2024 to bolster the defensive options. Primarily a right-back, Bulut is known for his work rate and defensive discipline. His ability to track back and support the attack makes him a well-rounded full-back. Bulut’s arrival has added depth and competition to the defensive lineup.
Midfielders
- Miguel Cardoso
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Former Clubs: Rio Ave, Dynamo Kyiv, Estoril
- Transfer Fee: €2.5 million (2023)
Miguel Cardoso is a creative midfielder who joined Kayserispor in 2023. His vision and passing accuracy make him a key playmaker in the team. Cardoso’s ability to dictate the tempo of the game and create scoring opportunities has been vital for Kayserispor’s attacking play. His experience in top European leagues adds a layer of sophistication to the midfield.
- Gustavo Campanharo
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Former Clubs: Internacional, Bursaspor
- Transfer Fee: €1.8 million (2022)
Campanharo is a dynamic box-to-box midfielder known for his energy and tackling ability. Since joining Kayserispor, he has been a consistent performer, breaking up opposition play and initiating attacks. His work rate and commitment make him a fan favorite. Campanharo’s ability to contribute both defensively and offensively adds balance to the midfield.
- Emrah Başsan
- Nationality: Turkish
- Former Clubs: Gençlerbirliği, Sivasspor
- Transfer Fee: €600,000 (2023)
Emrah Başsan is a versatile midfielder capable of playing in multiple roles. His technical skills and ability to retain possession under pressure make him a valuable asset. Başsan’s experience in the Süper Lig has been crucial in providing stability to the midfield. His leadership qualities and tactical awareness have earned him a regular spot in the starting lineup.
- Ali Karimi
- Nationality: Iranian
- Former Clubs: Esteghlal, Grasshoppers
- Transfer Fee: €1 million (2024)
Ali Karimi joined Kayserispor in 2024, bringing creativity and flair to the midfield. Known for his dribbling skills and ability to unlock defenses, Karimi has quickly become a key player. His vision and passing range make him a constant threat in the final third. Karimi’s arrival has added a new dimension to Kayserispor’s attacking play.
- Ramazan Civelek
- Nationality: Turkish
- Former Clubs: Kayserispor Academy
- Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy graduate)
Ramazan Civelek is a young midfielder who has emerged from the club’s academy. His energy and willingness to learn have earned him opportunities in the first team. Civelek’s ability to press opponents and contribute in both halves of the pitch makes him a promising talent. At just 20 years old, he represents the future of Kayserispor’s midfield.
Forwards
- Mame Thiam
- Nationality: Senegalese
- Former Clubs: Akhisarspor, Kasımpaşa, Juventus
- Transfer Fee: €2 million (2022)
Mame Thiam is Kayserispor’s talismanic forward, known for his clinical finishing and aerial ability. Since joining the club, Thiam has been a consistent goal scorer, leading the line with confidence. His experience in top leagues and international competitions adds a layer of quality to the attack. Thiam’s ability to hold up play and bring others into the game makes him a complete forward.
- Carlos Mané
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Former Clubs: Sporting CP, Stuttgart, İstanbul Başakşehir
- Transfer Fee: €3 million (2023)
Carlos Mané is a versatile winger who joined Kayserispor in 2023. His pace and dribbling skills make him a constant threat on the flanks. Mané’s ability to cut inside and score goals adds an extra dimension to the attack. His experience in top European leagues has been crucial in providing leadership and quality to the forward line.
- İlhan Parlak
- Nationality: Turkish
- Former Clubs: Çaykur Rizespor, Gaziantep FK
- Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2024)
İlhan Parlak joined Kayserispor in 2024 to bolster the attacking options. Known for his work rate and ability to score from distance, Parlak has quickly become a key player. His versatility allows him to play both as a striker and a winger, providing tactical flexibility. Parlak’s arrival has added depth and competition to the forward line.
- Gökhan Sazdağı
- Nationality: Turkish
- Former Clubs: Kayserispor Academy
- Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy graduate)
Gökhan Sazdağı is a young forward who has risen through the ranks of Kayserispor’s academy. His pace and finishing ability make him a promising talent. Sazdağı’s willingness to learn and improve has earned him opportunities in the first team. At just 19 years old, he represents the future of Kayserispor’s attack.
Conclusion
The 2024/25 Kayserispor squad is a well-balanced mix of experience and youth, with each player bringing unique qualities to the team. From the commanding presence of Mert Günok in goal to the attacking flair of Carlos Mané, the squad is equipped to compete at the highest level. The club’s emphasis on developing young talent, coupled with strategic signings, has created a team capable of challenging for honors in the Süper Lig. As the season unfolds, Kayserispor fans can look forward to an exciting campaign filled with passion, determination, and quality football.