Sturm Graz at Kadıköy: the road to the Champions League starts now
Your team hosts Sturm Graz in the Champions League third qualifying round first leg at Şükrü Saracoğlu on Wednesday (1). The stakes are clear: a strong home result and the tie stays in your hands.
Sturm Graz coach Fabio Ingolitsch knows what he is walking into. "We know we're not favorites against Fenerbahçe," he said (10). But he is not here for a sightseeing trip: "We want to be the side that goes through!" (5).
İsmail Kartal opened the final training session to supporters, and Kadıköy showed up (12).
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Kante gets the nod, Elmaz makes way
N'Golo Kante has been added to the Champions League squad list ahead of the Sturm Graz tie. Bartuğ Elmaz is the player who drops out (2) (3).
Kartal confirmed both Kante and Vedat Muriqi are in the squad for Wednesday (11). That is the midfield anchor and the target man, both available.
Skriniar on Aké: "He helps the whole team"
Captain Milan Skriniar did not hold back when asked about new defensive partner Nathan Aké. "I know what a great player he is. He really helps not just me, but the entire team," Skriniar said (4).
That pairing will be tested against Sturm Graz.
Sparta Prag beat Lyon, the playoff picture sharpens
If your team gets past Sturm Graz, the opponent in the playoff round comes from the Sparta Prag–Lyon tie. Sparta Prag won the first leg 2–1 at home (16). Advantage Czech side heading into the return leg.
Aziz Yıldırım fires a warning
Fenerbahçe president Aziz Yıldırım spoke to the press after the open training session and was in combative mood. "I'll name names," he said (14). No specifics yet, but the promise is on the table.
Transfer roundup: Pavlidis, Sörloth, Martinelli, Aydin
Benfica have responded to Fenerbahçe's approach for striker Vangelis Pavlidis. The Portuguese club are not shutting the door, but negotiations are ongoing (6).
Alexander Sörloth is another name in the frame. Reports suggest the club is prepared to spend on the Norway international (7).
Gabriel Martinelli has been floated as a target too, though an Arsenal winger moving to Istanbul would be a seismic deal (8).
On the outgoing side, Rangers are reportedly interested in Oguz Aydin (13).
Galatasaray lead the Leao race, Salah to Trabzonspor
Galatasaray have edged ahead of Fenerbahçe in the pursuit of Rafael Leao, with Beşiktaş and Trabzonspor also in the picture (15).
And the Mohamed Salah saga that briefly involved your club appears to be landing elsewhere. Trabzonspor are reported to have agreed a two-year deal with the Liverpool forward (9).
Kostic signs for PSV
Filip Kostic has found his next club. After two seasons at Fenerbahçe, the Serbian winger has agreed terms with PSV (17). A fresh start in the Eredivisie.
