Brighton and Hove Albion defender Ferdi Kadıoğlu has hinted he would be open to a return to Fenerbahçe in future.
GZT report comments from the 26-year-old today. It seems he’s not closing the door on his former side any time soon.
Fenerbahçe ties
Ferdi Kadıoğlu joined Brighton in 2024 in a €30m deal from Fenerbahçe, where he had been since 2018 following a €4.4m move from NEC Nijmegen.
He went on to make 204 appearances for the Turkish side, scoring 19 goals and registering 22 assists. He played more games for them, include 10 in their U21s, than all of the other clubs he’s played for combined.
His name remains closely tied to the Super Lig side. And, indeed, reports have often linked the Brighton defender with a return.
Now, he’s admitted that leaving Fenerbahçe was difficult for him. And while he is now in a different chapter at Brighton, the ties to his former club are strong.
“Leaving Fenerbahçe was very difficult for me,” he told the KAFA Sports YouTube channel.
“It wasn’t easy at all. We had many meetings with Fenerbahçe. I really love the club; I love the city. I think everyone saw the interview I gave when I left. It was very emotional.
“Fenerbahçe is always in my heart. Who knows, maybe I’ll come back one day. I can’t promise that, but it would be nice if it happened.”
Brighton in control
The question is whether such a return could be on the cards for Ferdi Kadıoğlu any time soon. Brighton are unlikely to sanction a deal.
The defender has featured in 91% of the minutes in the Premier League this season. He’s also been in the starting 11 89% of the time. In other words, he’s a key player.
He is also tied to a deal until 2028 and that includes an option for another year as well. That would suggest any return to Fenerbahçe won’t be happening unless they offer a significant sum to make it so.
