Turkish sparks fly as Demiral eyes a winter return to Fenerbahçe—defense on high alert
12 October 2025
Rumors swirl in Istanbul as Fenerbahçe reportedly plots a winter swoop for Merih Demiral, currently with Al Ahli Jeddah, to bolster their defense before the second half of the season. The center-back, a former academy prodigy at Fenerbahçe, has repeatedly spoken of his dream to wear the yellow-and-blue again.
Although under contract with Al Ahli through 2026, Demiral's strong desire to return keeps the door open for a potential January move to Istanbul.
Fenerbahçe's recruitment drive is said to be led by Saadettin Saran, the club’s new president, who is reportedly sparing no effort in negotiating with Al Ahli to facilitate a deal, either in the winter window or in the following summer.
Demiral on the Brink of Return
Fanatik, the Turkish daily, reports that Fenerbahçe began scouting the winter market early, aiming to strengthen the defense with high-profile signings and considering two of the club's former stars for a reunion.
Demiral, a product of the club's academy who didn't get a senior chance before leaving, is now said to be close to returning to his homeland.
The 27-year-old's contract with Al Ahli expires at the end of the season, and he has publicly indicated a desire to come back in January if a deal can be struck.
News outlets also claim Demiral is prepared to negotiate with Al Ahli to ease the transfer and that Saad-Din Saran will use all means to close the deal in the winter window or next summer.
Kim Min-jae as an Alternative
Besides Demiral, the paper lists Kim Min-jae, the South Korean defender currently with Bayern Munich, on Fenerbahçe's radar.
Kim, who excelled for the club before moving to Napoli and then Bayern, is reportedly not a regular starter this season due to injuries and competition, which could push him toward a return to Istanbul.
Fenerbahçe are watching closely especially since Bayern may be signing Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, potentially opening the door for Kim Min-jae's exit—he left a big imprint in 2021-22 before moving for sizable fees.
Earlier Talks and Willingness to Negotiate
In August, reports suggested Demiral could leave for Fenerbahçe in the summer window, but the deal did not materialize.
Despite the contract running to 2026, the Turkish side remained keen if the right conditions emerged.
Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur claimed Fenerbahçe would be ready to sign Demiral if one of their own players was sold, such as Diego Carlos or Aleksandar Djiku, among other possibilities.
In September, Saudi reports said Al Ahli opened a renewal file to keep the defender for longer.
Demiral’s Journey with Al Ahli
Demiral joined Al Ahli Jeddah in summer 2023 from Atalanta for 17 million euros, a deal that underscored his high value after shining in Serie A with Juventus and Atalanta.
Since arriving in Saudi Arabia, he established himself as a key figure and helped the club to win the AFC Champions League Elite title.
Over two seasons, he appeared in 73 official matches across competitions, scoring 3 goals and providing 4 assists, while anchoring a formidable defensive line.
Ronaldo, Saudi Experience, and Life on the Pitch
In a recent appearance on the Koura Break podcast, Demiral spoke about his Saudi experience, saying he’s happy to play in the Roshan Pro League, which is evolving thanks to world-class stars.
He said competition has become tougher, with eight or nine strong clubs at the top and the standard rising steadily.
He also praised the warm reception from Saudi fans, noting kindness and mutual respect, and drew cultural parallels between Turkey and Saudi Arabia in food and customs.
On his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, Demiral said he learned a lot during their time together at Juventus and followed: “Ronaldo has an incredible mindset and discipline. I watched his diet and tried to copy it as much as I could.”
And he joked: “He used to have the same breakfast every day; I tried to keep up, but it wasn’t easy.”
Punchline: If this deal goes through, the back line will be so tight that even the scoreboard will need a permit to score.
Punchline 2: Ronaldo taught discipline; Demiral’s defense just upgraded the paperwork—watch this space for the next chapter in the winter saga.
