Fenerbahçe make moves for Thomas Partey and Douglas Luiz! Talks underway

With a championship mindset heading into the new Süper Lig season, head coach Jose Mourinho has requested a different midfield profile than Sofyan Amrabat specifically, a player who is more energetic and physically dominant.

PARTEY AT THE TOP OF THE LIST

The Yellow-Navy Blues quickly identified Thomas Partey as their top target. As expected, the Ghanaian midfielder has not renewed his contract with Arsenal and is now a free agent as of today. The club has initiated official talks and is aiming to sign the 32-year-old on a three-year deal.

ONLY MISSED ONE GAME LAST SEASON

Fenerbahçe is currently negotiating with Partey’s agent, Jose Daniel Pozanco, while also thoroughly reviewing the player’s medical history. This caution stems from Partey having suffered 13 injuries over the last nine seasons. Although he only missed one match due to injury last season, his prior injury record includes several serious issues.

TO UNDERGO THOROUGH MEDICAL CHECK

In the 2023–24 season alone, Partey missed 34 matches for Arsenal and the Ghana national team due to thigh and groin injuries. Since joining Atlético Madrid’s senior team in 2015–16, he has spent a total of 458 days sidelined with injuries, missing 88 games. As a result, Fenerbahçe may send him for a preliminary medical check in England before bringing him to Istanbul.

DOUGLAS LUIZ THE SECOND OPTION

The latest name to emerge as a midfield target after Partey is Douglas Luiz. The Juventus midfielder reportedly does not fit into coach Igor Tudor’s plans and has been listed among 12 players up for sale. Fenerbahçe see Luiz as an alternative to Partey.

LOAN DEAL PLANNED

The Turkish club is said to be interested in acquiring the 27-year-old Brazilian on loan. Juventus, who paid 51.5 million euros for Luiz last summer, are prioritizing a permanent sale. However, given Luiz’s high annual cost around 9 million euros (including a 5 million euros net salary) Juventus may consider loan offers if no buyers emerge. If Fenerbahçe succeed with this move, their midfield duo could feature two Brazilians: Fred and Luiz.