AZIZ YILDIRIM RETURNS TO POWER AS FENERBAHÇE PRESIDENT – MURIQI DEAL MOVES CLOSER

ISTANBUL – Aziz Yıldırım has completed a remarkable return to the presidency of Fenerbahçe after winning the club's highly anticipated election, defeating challenger Hakan Safi in one of the most significant political battles in Turkish football history.

Yıldırım secured a convincing victory with 17,245 votes, while Safi received 9,927 votes, officially restoring the veteran football executive to the position he previously held for two decades.

The election result immediately shifted the club's transfer strategy, with Yıldırım moving quickly to strengthen the squad ahead of the new season.

Muriqi Return Edges Closer

One of the first major objectives of the new administration is the return of Kosovo international striker Vedat Muriqi. Reports indicate that Yıldırım has already reached a personal agreement with the experienced forward, who currently plays for RCD Mallorca.

Negotiations between the clubs are ongoing, with Mallorca initially demanding a transfer fee of €18 million. Muriqi is reportedly eager to return to Istanbul and is pushing for flexibility from his current club to help finalize the move.

The striker enjoyed a successful spell at Fenerbahçe earlier in his career and remains a popular figure among the club's supporters.

Defensive Reinforcements Planned

Yıldırım's transfer plans extend beyond the attack. Club officials are also targeting another high-profile striker while exploring options to strengthen the defense. Among the names linked with the club is Nathan Aké of Manchester City, although any potential deal would likely require significant financial investment.

The newly elected president has promised swift action in the transfer market, pledging to build a competitive squad within the next 15 days.

Safi's Transfer Promises Abandoned

The election outcome also means that several ambitious transfer projects promoted by Hakan Safi's campaign will not move forward.

Among the players reportedly discussed by Safi's team were:

Mason Greenwood Luís Suárez of Sporting CP Merih Demiral Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona

Yıldırım criticized the practice of publicly naming transfer targets during the election campaign, arguing that such announcements can weaken a club's negotiating position and complicate ongoing discussions.

New Era Begins

With the election now settled, attention turns to how quickly Yıldırım can deliver on his promises. The potential return of Muriqi could become the first major statement of the new administration as Fenerbahçe aims to challenge for domestic and European success once again.

Supporters will now be watching closely as one of Turkish football's most influential figures begins another chapter at the helm of the club.