Discussions in the transfer market have intensified regarding the future of Turkish international defender Merih Demiral, who plays for Al Ahly, with reports suggesting the possibility of his return to Fenerbahçe if one of the Turkish team's defenders departs.

Turkish journalist İkram Konur revealed that Fenerbahçe would only move to acquire Demiral if one of their defensive players, such as Diego Carlos, Alexander Džeko, or Luan Peres, leaves, making the transfer dependent on market developments.

Demiral is contracted with Al Ahly until the summer of 2026 and enjoys full confidence from coach Matthias Jaissle, who considers him a key pillar in the defense, while the club's management is seeking to extend his contract until June 2028.

The Turkish defender joined Al Ahly in the summer of 2023 from Atalanta for 17 million euros and successfully led the defense to win the AFC Champions League title in his first season.

Demiral has an impressive European career, having played for Fenerbahçe, Sporting Lisbon, Alanyaspor, Sassuolo, Juventus, and Atalanta, and has participated in over 50 international matches with the Turkish national team, scoring 6 goals, including a notable brace against Austria in Euro 2024.