Filip Novak's take on the Süper Lig: Turkish football has reached another dimension

Filip Novak, who played for Trabzonspor and Fenerbahçe in Turkey, made notable assessments regarding the recent increase in star transfers in the Süper Lig. The Czech footballer, who continues his career at his home country's club Jablonec, told Di Marzio that Turkish football is becoming an increasingly attractive destination in Europe.

Evaluating the changing profile of the Süper Lig through names such as Victor Osimhen, Rafael Leao, Mohamed Salah, Mason Greenwood, and Dusan Vlahovic, Novak described the increase in the quality of players coming to Turkey as a positive development for Turkish football.

''I don't know what's happening, why so many superstars are coming to the Turkish league. I think it's excellent for Turkish football. All the matches there are sold out, and the fans are truly fanatical.''

Novak also stated that he is happy to be playing against Trabzonspor in the Conference League with Jablonec and expressed that he is looking forward to the match.

Recalling that in the past, Turkey was mostly preferred by footballers coming to the final stages of their careers, Novak emphasized that young players are now also starting to choose the Süper Lig. According to the Czech footballer, this change represents an important threshold in terms of the league's perception and competitiveness.

OSIMHEN EMPHASIS AND THE CHAMPIONSHIP RACE

Novak argued that Victor Osimhen created an important turning point in the interest in the Süper Lig. Evaluating the Nigerian striker's arrival in Turkey at a young age as a “big sign,” Novak said that other young stars have also turned toward Turkey following this transfer.

''Osimhen was the first big player to go to Turkey while still young. He was one of the best strikers in the world, and he still is. I follow the transfer market, and everything has really become crazy.''

Touching on Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe's participation in the Champions League, Novak said this is a significant advantage for both clubs. The former footballer expressed that he feels sympathy for Trabzonspor and Fenerbahçe due to the clubs he played for in Turkey.

Novak approached the question of whether Rafael Leao's arrival at Galatasaray would change the balance in the championship race with caution. Stating that the race could be neck-and-neck just like last season, the Czech player said that the championship being decided in the final weeks would increase the excitement for the fans.

Drawing attention to the stars in Galatasaray's attacking line, Novak stated that Milan Skriniar and Mason Greenwood could be decisive for Fenerbahçe. Using the terms “top-level defender” and “warrior” for Skriniar, Novak said he is looking forward to the derbies.

Acknowledging that high salaries are influential in transfers, Novak also stated that Turkey's appeal cannot be explained by money alone. Saying that Istanbul is a strong center of attraction for footballers, the Czech player evaluated Salah's move to Trabzonspor as an indicator of the level Turkish football has reached.

''A big name like Salah going to Trabzon shows that Turkish football has now reached another dimension.''

Responding positively to the question of whether the Süper Lig is approaching leagues like Serie A, the Bundesliga, and Ligue 1, Novak argued that the level in Turkey has now reached a point where it can be compared to these leagues. Stating that he comes to Turkey every summer, Novak added that he has always received a warm welcome from fans and football enthusiasts.