1 October 2026 Transfer News: Gabigol, Willock, Fenerbahçe

The summer transfer window has closed and the leagues are on an international break, but club back rooms are busy preparing for January. Here are the main developments of the past five days. Unless stated otherwise, everything below is unconfirmed rumour or a statement of intent.

Gabigol and a Süper Lig rumour

It has been claimed that Brazilian striker Gabriel Barbosa (Gabigol) is keen on a move to Turkey. The 30-year-old, contracted to Cruzeiro and on loan at Santos, is said to be considering Beşiktaş, Fenerbahçe or Galatasaray. According to the reports, he is not especially keen on lower-profile leagues such as the US or the Gulf, and the derby atmosphere is described as an attraction.

There is no official offer or statement from any of the three clubs at this stage. The story rests on reported interest from the player's side. How talks with Santos and Cruzeiro would unfold is unclear, and we will only see whether this firms up once the January window opens.

Beşiktaş keep pushing for Joe Willock

Beşiktaş president Serdal Adalı said the club will sign Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock in January. By his account, the player's family was brought to Istanbul to look at houses, there have been numerous video calls with the coaching staff, and in-person meetings have taken place. The president's message was: "We will sign in January."

Newcastle reportedly asked for around £20 million in the summer; with Willock's contract expiring at the end of the season, Beşiktaş's hand could be stronger in January. Head coach Vincenzo Italiano is said to have specifically wanted the player, but the deal could not be completed this summer. This is a presidential statement, not a done deal. Newcastle's stance and the player's situation during the season will matter.

Fenerbahçe's January midfield shortlist

The yellow-and-navy club is reported to be focusing on midfield for the mid-season window. Inter's experienced Hakan Çalhanoğlu is again said to top the list. Reportedly, Inter want to sign him to a new two-year deal with a pay cut, which could influence Fenerbahçe's decision.

Other names reported include Brighton's Swedish midfielder Yasin Ayari and Boca Juniors' Milton Delgado. On the Brazilian front, talks with a 20-year-old midfielder have reportedly begun, with Corinthians' Andre mentioned; another Brazilian report names Victor Hugo. There is no official confirmation of a firm preference, and the list may change.

Galatasaray's new signings yet to deliver

Not a transfer story as such, but the performance of the summer signings is in the spotlight. Rafael Leao, Aleksey Batrakov, Deniz Gül, Lesley Ugochukwu and El Chadaille Bitshiabu, brought in for roughly €78.5 million combined, are reported to have contributed directly to none of the team's 13 goals this season; only Batrakov has an assist. Okan Buruk is said to plan to start Batrakov after the international break. This may keep questions about squad planning alive into January, though the club has issued no statement.

The bigger picture

With the summer window shut, every name currently discussed is a target that can only materialise in January. Players with expiring contracts give clubs a bargaining edge. Süper Lig matchday 7 follows the international break, and on-pitch form could reshape both transfer priorities and the direction of these rumours.

Transfer news can change quickly; follow official announcements.