Istanbul rivals - Most valuable players to represent both Galatasaray and Fenerbahce

The rivalry between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce is arguably the fiercest between any two clubs in the world. The two Istanbul fanbases are incredibly passionate as evidenced in the stands every weekend and the biggest two Turkish clubs’ profiles on Transfermarkt are regularly the most visited of any club. With over 16 million people in Istanbul, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray dominate the football scene with 44 Super Lig titles between them. Reigning champions Galatasaray lead the way with 25 titles but José Mourinho will be aiming to halt their dominance this season and end Fenerbahce’s 12 year wait to be crowned kings of Türkiye.

It’s incredibly rare for players to transfer directly between the two clubs but Michy Bashuayi famously swapped Fenerbahce for Galatasaray last summer. Moreover, it’s even uncommon for players to represent both clubs across their careers but Kerem Aktürkoğlu is poised to join an infamous list of brave men. Mourinho is determined to sign the Turkish international from Benfica with Fenerbahce locked in negotiations with the Portuguese club over a fee. Using Transfermarkt’s famed market values, we’ve analysed the players to represent both clubs and their highest market values when they’ve pulled on the Galatasaray or Fenerbahce shirts.

Players to cross the Fenerbahce and Galatasaray divide

Although negotiations are continuing between Fenerbahce and Benfica, Aktürkoğlu is expected to complete his return to Istanbul before the transfer window closes. The 26-year-old will become the 52nd player to represent both clubs and he will be the most valuable player to have pulled on both jerseys. Aktürkoğlu’s current market value is €24 million and that eclipses his highest valuation during his time at Galatasaray of €17m.

As the graphic above illustrates, Aktürkoğlu will move ahead of current record holder Burak Yilmaz with the legendary Galatasaray striker reaching his peak market value of €18m in 2013. Caner Erkin, who played 250 games for Fenerbahce, ranks third with Batshuayi featuring in the top ten after his hugely controversial move last summer.

The view from Turkey on Kerem Aktürkoğlu’s move

Transfermarkt’s Super Lig expert Lara Karacan has provided the view from Turkey on Aktürkoğlu’s impending move to Fenerbahce’s fierce rivals. "When the rumor about Kerem moving to Fenerbahçe first emerged, neither the Galatasaray fans nor the Fenerbahçe fans were happy about the transfer," said Karacan. "During his time at Galatasaray, he had spoken negatively about Fenerbahçe - and why the Galatasaray supporters wouldn’t like the move is pretty obvious.

"However, as the negotiations became more concrete, Kerem made it increasingly clear to Fenerbahçe fans that he was determined to join the club. As a result, their perception of him turned much more positive. It was an open secret that Kerem had been a Fenerbahçe supporter since childhood, even during his time at Galatasaray. Many had the feeling that he would one day wear the Fenerbahçe jersey. Still, the fact that is all look set to happen so quickly —just one season at Benfica and one season after leaving Galatasaray—came as a surprising development for everyone involved."