Daily transfer radar – 31 January 2026: All the key moves and negotiations in the Turkish Süper Lig, from high-profile European stars to promising young talents, are rapidly taking shape. Clubs are racing against the clock to finalise deals, strengthen weak spots and offload players who are no longer in their plans. Below is a comprehensive look at the biggest headlines and how each move could reshape the balance of power in Turkish football.
Galatasaray push for Arthur Vermeeren in midfield rebuild
Galatasaray have turned their attention to Arthur Vermeeren as the latest candidate to reinforce the heart of their midfield. The 20-year-old, currently on loan at Marseille, has emerged as a serious option as the club look for energy, creativity and long-term potential in the centre of the park.
Initial talks have reportedly begun over another loan deal, with Galatasaray keen to capitalise on the player’s age and upside. Vermeeren is seen as a modern midfielder: press-resistant, comfortable on the ball and able to contribute in both phases of play. If the deal goes through, he would add depth behind the current starters and offer Okan Buruk a flexible piece capable of playing as a deep-lying playmaker or an advanced No. 8.
The timing is also key. With the fixture list getting denser and Galatasaray competing on multiple fronts, bringing in a young, dynamic option like Vermeeren would allow for rotation without a massive drop in quality. It also fits the club’s recent trend of blending experienced names with high-ceiling prospects who can grow in value.
Fenerbahçe close in on Ademola Lookman – only payment terms remain
Fenerbahçe are on the verge of sealing one of the most eye-catching moves of this window. Negotiations with Atalanta for Ademola Lookman have reached a decisive stage, with the Italian club dropping their valuation to around 40 million euros. Fenerbahçe have responded by matching that figure including bonuses, leaving only the structure of the payment plan to be agreed.
Lookman’s versatility is a major attraction: he can operate on either wing or behind the striker, offering direct runs, dribbling and end product in the final third. For a Fenerbahçe side that already boasts strong attacking options, his arrival would significantly raise the team’s ceiling and provide tactical variety. He is the type of player who can change games on his own, especially against tightly packed defences in the league.
If completed, this would rank as one of the most expensive transfers in Süper Lig history and a clear statement of intent in the title race. It also signals Fenerbahçe’s willingness to invest heavily in players at their peak rather than purely focusing on short-term veteran solutions.
Beşiktaş renew big-name pursuit with Romelu Lukaku
Beşiktaş, still searching for a dominant presence up front, have escalated their efforts to land Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian striker, currently on the books at Napoli, has long been admired by the club, but previous attempts to sign him ended without an agreement. This time, Beşiktaş appear more determined than ever to bring him in.
The plan is clear: secure a proven goalscorer who can immediately transform the attack. Lukaku’s profile fits what Beşiktaş lack – physical strength, aerial power, hold-up play and a consistent goal threat. His experience in top European leagues and on the international stage would give the team a psychological edge as well as a technical boost.
The main question surrounds the financial package. Salary demands and the cost of a transfer or loan fee will be crucial factors. Beşiktaş are exploring creative formulas, potentially involving a loan with an option to buy or performance-related bonuses, to make the deal financially viable while still satisfying Napoli and the player.
Trabzonspor make official move for Renato Nhaga
Trabzonspor have moved beyond the scouting stage and taken formal steps to sign Renato Nhaga from Casa Pia. The player has been monitored for some time, with club officials increasingly convinced that he can be an important asset for the future.
Nhaga’s profile suggests that Trabzonspor are targeting younger, development-oriented players rather than only banking on established stars. By moving early and officially for the player, they aim to beat competition and secure a talent who could quickly adapt to the Süper Lig’s physical and tactical demands.
If the transfer is completed, Nhaga would likely be integrated gradually, but his arrival would also increase internal competition and give the coaching staff more flexibility in squad rotation. This type of signing fits into a longer-term strategy of building a sustainable, competitive core rather than constantly rebuilding each window.
Angel Gomes offered to Galatasaray – decision rests with Okan Buruk
Another Marseille-based name has landed on Galatasaray’s desk: Angel Gomes has been proposed to the club and is now under consideration. The attacking midfielder or winger brings creativity, technical flair and the ability to break lines with both passing and dribbling.
However, the move is not yet at the negotiation stage. Galatasaray’s next step depends entirely on head coach Okan Buruk. Should he approve, the club will begin assessing financial conditions and squad balance. With already several attacking options in place, any move for Gomes would need to be carefully calibrated so as not to overload certain positions.
Strategically, signing Gomes would signal an intent to further increase the team’s technical level in advanced areas, which could be vital in European competitions where fine margins and creative solutions decide tight matches. On the other hand, the club must weigh this against needs in other positions such as central midfield and defence.
Kante still keen on Fenerbahçe, but Al-Ittihad hold firm
Fenerbahçe are also working on an ambitious move in midfield: N’Golo Kante remains a primary target. The French star is reportedly open and has not stepped back from the idea of joining the Istanbul giants. However, his current club Al-Ittihad have yet to give the green light for negotiations to reach a final stage.
For Fenerbahçe, Kante would be a transformative signing. His work rate, ball-winning ability and tactical intelligence would bring balance to an attack-minded squad, shielding the defence and enabling more freedom for creative players. He also brings leadership and big-match experience from the highest levels of European football.
The challenge is convincing Al-Ittihad to part with a player who still holds significant sporting and commercial value. Fenerbahçe may need to propose an attractive package, possibly including a transfer fee alongside salary guarantees and performance bonuses, while also navigating the complexities of contracts in the Gulf region.
Nuno Tavares changes his mind and reopens door to Beşiktaş
One of the more surprising twists of the day involves Nuno Tavares. The Portuguese left-back had previously turned down Beşiktaş, seemingly closing the door on a move to Istanbul. Now, in a change of stance, he has communicated through his agent that he is willing to wear the black-and-white shirt after all.
This reversal gives Beşiktaş fresh hope of solving a problem area in their squad. The club have been eager to find an athletic, attack-minded full-back who can stretch the pitch, provide width and support both phases of play. Tavares, with his pace and willingness to overlap, fits that description perfectly.
Negotiations will now resume with renewed optimism, though there are still important issues to settle, such as salary, contract duration and the structure of any potential loan or permanent transfer. Beşiktaş must move quickly, as the player’s change of heart could also alert other clubs still in need of a left-back.
Trabzonspor target Yusuf Sarı at Fatih Tekke’s request
Trabzonspor are also working on a move that carries a strong tactical and personal dimension. Head coach Fatih Tekke has clearly expressed his desire to bring in Yusuf Sarı, prompting the club to begin the process of approaching the player. At this stage, no official bid has been submitted, but internal discussions and preliminary contacts are under way.
Sarı’s pace, direct running and ability to stretch defences make him an attractive option for a coach who wants transitions to be sharper and more dangerous. His familiarity with Turkish football is another advantage, as he would require minimal adaptation time compared to foreign signings.
The next step for Trabzonspor will likely be to formalise their interest and test the waters with a concrete proposal. The outcome of this pursuit could shape how Tekke sets up his attacking structure for the remainder of the season, particularly in games where breaking down compact opponents is a recurring challenge.
How these moves could reshape the Süper Lig title race
The combined effect of these potential transfers is substantial. Fenerbahçe, chasing both Lookman and Kante, are clearly focused on building a squad capable not just of winning the league but also of competing more seriously in Europe. Galatasaray, by targeting Vermeeren and considering Angel Gomes, seem intent on adding youth and technical quality to sustain performance over several seasons.
Beşiktaş, meanwhile, are attempting a more dramatic overhaul in specific key areas with Lukaku and Nuno Tavares. If both deals materialise, they would gain a top-level striker and a dynamic full-back, drastically improving both ends of the pitch. Trabzonspor’s quieter but strategic moves for Renato Nhaga and Yusuf Sarı show a club trying to refresh and rebalance the squad with a mix of upside and proven domestic experience.
Collectively, these negotiations indicate that the Süper Lig is entering another phase of aggressive investment and ambition, with big-name arrivals increasingly common and younger talents being integrated alongside them. The final hours of the window will determine which clubs turn intent into reality and which are forced to rethink their plans for the rest of the campaign.
What to watch as the window closes
As the deadline approaches, several key questions remain unanswered:
– Will Fenerbahçe finalise both Lookman and Kante, or be forced to prioritise one marquee signing?
– Can Galatasaray secure Vermeeren and make a decisive call on Angel Gomes in time?
– Will Beşiktaş overcome financial hurdles to land Lukaku and complete the turnaround with Nuno Tavares?
– How quickly can Trabzonspor convert monitoring and interest into concrete deals for Nhaga and Yusuf Sarı?
The answers to these questions will not only decide the immediate strength of each squad but also shape the long-term direction of Turkish football, both domestically and on the European stage.