Akturkoglu Nets the Deciding Goal to Knock Fenerbahce Out of Champions League Race, Then Joins the Winning Team Days Later

Benfica has agreed to sell Turkish international Kerem Akturkoglu to Fenerbahce, following his goal that eliminated the Turkish team from the Champions League playoffs, the Portuguese club announced on Friday.

Fenerbahce will pay Benfica 22.5 million euros (USD 26.34 million) for the winger, with potential performance-related bonuses that could bring the total to 25 million euros, as stated by Benfica.

Benfica noted that Galatasaray, Akturkoglu’s former team, has been informed due to its preferential right on the player.

Fenerbahce was knocked out of the Champions League after a 1-0 defeat to Benfica in their playoff second leg on Wednesday, with Akturkoglu’s goal proving crucial.

The 26-year-old winger joined Benfica last year after winning consecutive Super Lig titles with Galatasaray.

Earlier on Friday, Fenerbahce announced the departure of manager Jose Mourinho.

Published on Aug 29, 2025