Ferdi Kadıoğlu Backs Fenerbahçe’s Pursuit of Brighton Midfielder Yasin Ayari
Fenerbahçe are preparing to renew their effort to sign Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Yasin Ayari when the January transfer window opens. The Turkish club attempted to bring the Swedish international to Istanbul during the summer and are now looking to strengthen their midfield with a renewed approach.
They may have an influential ally in Ferdi Kadıoğlu. The former Fenerbahçe favorite now shares a dressing room with Ayari at Brighton and, according to reports in Turkey, has encouraged his teammate to consider a move to Kadıköy if he decides to leave the Premier League club.
Kadıoğlu is said to have told the 23-year-old that Fenerbahçe would be an appealing next step and that joining the club could make him happy both on and off the pitch. His recommendation could give the Turkish side an advantage as they try to persuade Ayari to make the switch.
Fenerbahçe are also expected to present a substantial personal offer. Ayari reportedly earns a net salary of around €860,000 a year at Brighton, while the Istanbul club’s proposed terms could reach €3 million net per season. That increase would represent a significant financial incentive, although salary alone may not determine the player’s decision.
The Yellow Canaries are seeking to add depth and quality to their central midfield options. A move for Ayari would give the coaching staff another choice in the middle of the pitch and could help the squad manage the demands of the second half of the season.
Competition may complicate Fenerbahçe’s plans. Other European clubs are reportedly following Ayari’s situation, making the prospect of regular playing time and the role offered by each interested team potentially important factors. Fenerbahçe hope that Kadıoğlu’s personal endorsement, combined with the possibility of a prominent place in the side, will strengthen their case.
For Brighton, any decision will depend on the club’s assessment of its midfield needs and Ayari’s role in the squad. A January departure could require the Premier League side to consider whether it has sufficient cover before agreeing to a transfer. The length and structure of any proposed deal would also need to satisfy both clubs.
Fenerbahçe’s earlier attempt in the summer suggests Ayari has already been on the club’s radar for some time. The renewed interest points to a targeted recruitment effort rather than a last-minute search for midfield reinforcements. However, previous interest does not guarantee that negotiations will progress quickly or result in an agreement.
The player’s own priorities will be central. A move to Türkiye could offer a different footballing environment, a potentially larger role and a substantial rise in salary, while staying in England would allow him to continue competing in the Premier League. The choice will depend on how Ayari weighs those options and what Brighton are prepared to consider.
No completed transfer has been announced. For now, Fenerbahçe’s pursuit rests on a combination of renewed club interest, a reported financial proposal and Kadıoğlu’s encouragement. The January window will show whether those factors are enough to bring the Swedish midfielder to Istanbul.