Demiral Sacrifices 5 Million Euros to Return to Turkey

The Turkish defender Merih Demiral, a player for Al-Ahli, is close to finalizing his transfer to Fenerbahçe during the current summer transfer window, in a deal that is garnering significant attention within Turkish sports circles.

Press reports indicated that Fenerbahçe's management has reached a preliminary understanding with the player regarding all personal details, which has increased the chances of completing the deal in the near future.

Demiral showed a strong desire to return to his former club after agreeing to significantly reduce his annual salary, in a move aimed at facilitating negotiations and expediting the transfer process.

The international defender earns about 12 million euros annually with Al Ahly, but he has expressed his willingness to forgo nearly 5 million euros, affirming his desire to wear the Fenerbahçe jersey again.

Despite the preliminary agreement with the player, negotiations between the two clubs are still ongoing, especially since Demiral is under contract with Al-Ahli until 2029, which necessitates reaching a suitable financial arrangement to complete the deal.

Demiral is considered one of the most prominent Turkish defenders in recent years, having had professional experiences with clubs such as Alanyaspor, Sporting Lisbon, Sassuolo, Juventus, and Atalanta, before moving to Al-Ahli.

The player also has an impressive international record with the Turkish national team, having participated in over 50 international matches, in addition to contributing to Al-Ahli's achievement of the AFC Champions League title for the elite and delivering strong defensive performances.

If the deal is officially completed, Fenerbahçe will gain a defender with extensive experience and high technical abilities, providing the team with a strong boost in the race for domestic and continental titles in the upcoming season.