Fenerbahçe wants Benzema: a European return on the horizon?

Fenerbahçe goes all in for Moroccan prodigy Gessime Yassine

Karim Benzema / @x.com/fahadalorabi

As part of its drive to bolster the attack during the winter transfer window, Turkish club Fenerbahçe, now under the leadership of new president Sadettin Saran, has drawn up a shortlist of targeted players to energize the squad.

This move comes after a mixed start to the Süper Lig campaign, with the team currently sitting fourth after eight matchdays, compounded by a premature Champions League exit.

According to Turkish daily Fotomaç, former France international Karim Benzema, under contract with Al-Ittihad Saudi until 2026, remains Fenerbahçe’s top priority. The club management is planning to reach out to his representatives to assess the feasibility of a transfer.

To facilitate the move, the club could part ways with John Durán, whose performances have failed to meet expectations and who has been sidelined with an injury since last August.

🚨 Fenerbahçe are going to do everything they can to attract Karim Benzema to the club this January! 🤯🇹🇷

(Source: @fotomac) pic.twitter.com/BVHRVw76bc

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) October 14, 2025

Fenerbahçe also tracking Yassine Gessime

Meanwhile, Fenerbahçe is closely monitoring Moroccan wonderkid Yassine Gessime (19), who plays for French side Dunkerque and is currently shining with Morocco’s national team at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.The Turkish giants, however, will face stiff competition from several European clubs, including Olympique de Marseille, Union Saint-Gilloise, Club Brugge, and a number of Italian teams, all keen on the promising Atlas Lions forward.

Née à Marseille, Gessime Yassine est sur les tablettes de Fenerbahçe, Bruges et Saint-Gilloise.#TeamOMpic.twitter.com/jPYBHYI0ND

— Passion OM (@PassionOM_OFF) October 7, 2025