The 'foreign' player threat awaiting clubs in the new season
As the excitement of the 2023-24 season in the Turkish Super Lig continues, clubs have already begun planning for the upcoming season. A difficult process awaits clubs as the number of foreign players allowed is set to decrease in the new season. We have compiled the number of foreign players currently in the squads of the 'Big 4' clubs and the contracts they must offload.
Selçuk Çelik
One of the most debated topics in Turkish football recently is the foreign player limit. The foreign player quota, which has been constantly changed in our country, especially since the 2000s, will be changed again as of the 2024-2025 season.
According to the statement made by the TFF, the number of foreign-national players to be registered on the A-team list for the first three seasons following the 2024-2025 season (2024-2025, 2025-2026, and 2026-2027) was reduced from 14 to 12, and to 11 for the two seasons following that (2027-2028 and 2028-2029).
It was announced that the limit on foreign players in the starting 11 for Super Lig teams would be lifted starting next season. Accordingly, teams will be able to field an entire starting 11 consisting of foreign players.
With the number of foreign players in the Super Lig dropping from 14 to 12, there is curiosity regarding the number of foreign players currently in the squads of the 'Big 4'. So, how many foreign players are in the squads of Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray, Beşiktaş, and Trabzonspor? Here is the answer...
FENERBAHÇE
Fenerbahçe is one of the clubs with the longest list of foreign players. The yellow-navy team has a total of 20 players, including those currently on loan at other clubs. If the newly announced foreign player rule does not change, Fenerbahçe will have to part ways with at least 8 of its players next season.
The foreign players at Fenerbahçe are as follows:
Dominik Livakovic, Bright Osayi Samuel, Jayden Oosterwolde, Rodrigo Becao, Alexander Djiku, Leonardo Bonucci, Miha Zajc, Rade Krunic, Fred, Sebastian Szymansky, Joshua King, Ryan Kent, Dusan Tadic, Edin Dzeko, Michy Batshuayi, Miguel Crespo, Lincoln Henrique, Joao Pedro, Omar Fayed, Jo-jin ho
GALATASARAY
Galatasaray has a total of 19 foreign players in its squad. The yellow-red team needs to part ways with at least 7 of its foreign players this coming summer.
The foreign players at Galatasaray
Fernando Muslera, Victor Nelsson, Davinson Sanchez, Derrick Köhn, Serge Aurier, Tanguy Ndombele, Lucas Torreria, Dries Mertens, Wilfried Zaha, Tete, Hakim Ziyech, Mauro Icardi, Carlos Vinicius (on loan), Sergio Oliveria, Nicolo Zaniolo, Leo Dubois, Mathias Ross, Patrick van Aanholt, Alexandru Cicaldau
BEŞİKTAŞ
Beşiktaş, which has remained far from the title race this season and aims to be in the title race next year, appears to have 19 foreign players under contract.
Beşiktaş's foreign player list
Joe Worall, Daniel Amartey, Omar Colley, Arthur Masuaku, Jonas Svensson, Al-Musrati, Amir Hadziahmedovic, Gedson Fernandes, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ernest Muci, Ante Rebic, Milot Rasciha, Rachid Ghazzel, Vincent Aboubakar, Jackson Muleka, Valentin Rosier, Jean Onana, Javi Montero, Ajdin Hasic
TRABZONSPOR
Trabzonspor, which is currently in 3rd place in the Super Lig with 58 points and aims to participate in European cups next season, has a total of 17 foreign players.
The foreign players at Trabzonspor
Stefano Denswil, Filip Benkovic, Joaquin Fernandez, Thomas Meunier, Batista Mendy, Ognjen Bakic, Enis Bardhi, Mahmout Trezeguet, Taxiarchis Fountas, Mislav Orsic, Nicolas Pepe, Edin Visca, Paul Onuachu, Maxi Gomez, Flavio, Dimitrios Kourbelis, Tonio Teklic, Montasser Lahtimi,