Fenerbahçe is not giving up on pulling off a transfer that will resonate around the world. Alongside an already completed loan for a striker, the club keeps a Real Madrid superstar in its sights and is laying the groundwork for another high-profile move — bringing in Oleksandr Zinchenko at José Mourinho’s personal request. Inside the club they understand: the moment for a decisive push is in the very final stretch of the window.
A High-Profile Loan Is Done, But They Want More
Fenerbahçe’s most eye-catching acquisition this summer so far is forward Jhon Duran, who joined on loan. However, the board is targeting a far more resonant maneuver — one the entire football world will be talking about.
Rodrygo Still On The Radar
It has emerged that the Yellow-Navy Blues have not abandoned the idea of signing Rodrygo. The Brazilian star’s future at Real Madrid is uncertain: head coach Xabi Alonso does not see the forward in the main squad, especially not in the starting XI. Because of this, Rodrygo was ready to leave, but, having received no offers he expected — apart from Tottenham — he paused and stepped back from an immediate move.
The Field Of Suitors Has Narrowed
Despite that pause, Real Madrid informed the player that getting minutes this season would be difficult. Fenerbahçe has maintained direct contact with the Madrid giant for about a month and realistically understands that this transfer will not happen immediately. In Istanbul they hope to replicate last year’s scenario, when Galatasaray secured Victor Osimhen on loan after the window had closed in Europe. Meanwhile, the list of clubs linked with Rodrygo has thinned noticeably: Bayern snapped up Luis Díaz, Arsenal brought in Noni Madueke, and at Liverpool the focus is on Alexander Isak.
Decisive Push — In The Final Week Of The Month
For that reason, the Canaries are monitoring the situation closely while holding back from aggressive steps. Even if Rodrygo wants to stay, a lack of game time in a World Cup season could cost him his place with Brazil. In this configuration, Fenerbahçe sees an opening for a loan: in the last week of the month, the club is ready to launch a decisive attack for the Brazilian.
Mourinho Asked For Zinchenko: Talks Underway
Although Kerem Aktürkoğlu has largely occupied Fenerbahçe’s transfer agenda in recent days, the club has simultaneously launched an unexpected project — Oleksandr Zinchenko. José Mourinho specifically requested the signing of the Ukrainian utility man. Sporting director Devin Özek immediately flew to London and held an initial meeting with Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta: the opening offer was €10 million, to which the Red-and-Whites responded with a €15 million price tag. At the same time, according to the English press, if the Yellow-Navy Blues reach an agreement with the 28-year-old, Arsenal will not stand in the way.
A Versatile “Joker,” But There’s A Catch
In recent years Zinchenko has most often played at left back, although he first made his name as a No. 10 and has at times operated as a defensive midfielder. Last season he alternated between left fullback and shielding the defence. In Mourinho’s plan, the “joker” would be used primarily in midfield. However, there are reservations about the deal: his injury history is a concern. The 28-year-old’s lingering calf issue has almost become chronic over the last three seasons: he missed 20 matches in 2022/23, eight in 2023/24, and 13 last season. Therefore, if common ground is found on the terms, the board will demand detailed medical reports before signing.
