Fenerbahce coach, Jose Mourinho has succeeded in signing Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri, who joins the Turkish giants on a five-year deal.
The legendary former Chelsea and Inter Milan boss took charge of the Turkish Super Lig runners-up in June, shortly after the Champions League final and has been up and doing in the transfer market since then.
Initially, reports had it that the 27-year-old former Sevilla star Youssef En-Nesyr was linked with a move to Mourinho’s former club Roma.
However, the Moroccan forward chose Fenerbahce which he signed a five-year contract with for a reported £19.5 million fee.
Romano confirm Youssef En-Nesyri signing
Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the deal on Thursday, July 25, acknowledging that the move marks the largest transfer ever in Turkish Süper Lig history.
Fenerbahce shelled out 19.5 million euros ($21.2 million) over the next four years for the 27-year-old forward according to the club.
The Italian journalist announced on X: “Fenerbahçe confirm Youssef En-Nesyri deal done with Sevilla and signed on player side.”
“Contract until June 2029 and one more huge signing for José Mourinho.”
Fenerbahce also confirmed the transfer through the Public Disclosure Platform (KAP), reporting that the 19.5 million euro fee will be paid in eight installments over four years.
Meanwhile, this contract agreement exceeds Galatasaray’s previous record transfer of Mario Jardel for 17 million euros in 2000.
The club’s statement read: “Our club has reached an agreement with Youssef En-Nesyri and Sevilla FC for his transfer. The Moroccan striker has committed to Fenerbahçe for five years.”
“We extend a warm welcome to Youssef En-Nesyri and wish him great success and many championships with our crest.”
En-Nesyri, who has impressed with 20 goals in 73 caps for Morocco, departs Sevilla after a fruitful four-year spell.
In his time with the team, he netted 73 goals in 196 matches and was crucial in Sevilla’s Europa League victories in 2020 and 2023.
His iconic header against Portugal was key to Morocco’s remarkable journey to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals.
Jose Mourinho seek to end Fenerbahce’s nine-year title drought
Under the leadership of former Real Madrid and Roma boss Jose Mourinho, the club has been making significant signings in an effort to break their nine-year title drought.
Fenerbahce finished as runners-up in the Super Lig last season, narrowly trailing behind their rivals Galatasaray.
Mourinho’s primary objective will be to guide his new team to qualify for the Champions League.
In their upcoming second leg match against Lugano, Fenerbahce will seek to build on their 4-3 victory in the first leg.
Moreover, the team will need to secure victories in two additional knockout round matches to advance to the revamped Champions League tournament this season.
En-Nesyri was reportedly Mourinho’s top choice to assist him in achieving his goal, as the esteemed coach has a preference for African strikers.
According to report, the Moroccan International will earn around €4 million per season following his transition to the Turkish club.
En-Nesyri will be joining Cenk Tosun, a former Everton striker who arrived on a free transfer, as well as Allan Saint-Maximin, who joined on loan from Al Ahli, at Fenerbahce.
