September 7, 2026 Transfer Roundup: Bitshiabu Joins Galatasaray, Zaha Linked with Roma
Turkey's summer transfer and registration window officially closed on September 4, but the frantic final days and post-deadline fallout continued to dominate headlines. Here are the key developments from September 2-7, 2026.
Bitshiabu Joins Galatasaray
Galatasaray strengthened their backline by loaning El-Chadaille Bitshiabu from RB Leipzig. The 21-year-old French centre-back flew into Istanbul by private jet on September 2. According to the club's official disclosure, the deal runs until the end of the 2026-2027 season for a 2 million euro loan fee, with a 28 million euro purchase option attached; the player will earn a net salary of 2 million euros for the season.
Yusuf Akçiçek Deal Collapses
Galatasaray's original top defensive target was actually Al Hilal's Turkish international Yusuf Akçiçek. Despite the two sides agreeing on financial terms, the Saudi club refused to let the young defender leave after failing to bring in a replacement centre-back of their own. The last-minute collapse of this move quickly pushed Galatasaray's management toward the Bitshiabu option instead.
A Nostalgic Push for Gedson Fernandes
In the closing days of the window, Galatasaray reportedly revisited interest in former player Gedson Fernandes. According to reports, the club's management contacted Spartak Moscow sporting director Francis Cagigao, with the Russian club said to be asking around 25 million euros and the Portuguese midfielder reportedly seeking an annual salary near 5 million euros. The outcome of these talks remains unclear.
Zaha Surprise Linked to Roma
Galatasaray's former number 10 Wilfried Zaha is, according to reports, poised for a return to European football. Having left MLS side Charlotte FC, the experienced 33-year-old winger has reportedly caught the eye of Roma in Serie A. Sporting director Tony D'Amico is said to be considering Zaha among left-wing options at manager Gian Piero Gasperini's request, with talks reportedly continuing for out-of-contract players even after Europe's transfer windows shut.
Tough Resistance Over Moriba Bid
Beşiktaş's midfield pursuit hit a snag. The Black-and-Whites made a loan-plus-option offer for Celta Vigo's young midfielder Ilaix Moriba, only for reports to indicate an initial negative response from the Spanish club. Despite this, Beşiktaş's management reportedly made a fresh move on the matter on the final day of the transfer period.
Fenerbahçe's Adil Demirbağ Move Falls Through
Looking for late defensive reinforcement following Çağlar Söyüncü's departure, Fenerbahçe turned their attention to Konyaspor captain Adil Demirbağ. After an initial 1.5 million euro bid was rejected, the Yellow-Navies reportedly raised their offer to 3 million euros, but ultimately walked away when Konyaspor held firm on a 5 million euro asking price. The club also officially denied reports of a verbal agreement being reached.
UEFA Squad Lists Confirmed
Beşiktaş, Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray, and Trabzonspor, all competing in UEFA club competitions, officially submitted their A-squad lists to UEFA following the registration deadline that expired at midnight on September 2. New summer signings were formally included on their European rosters as a result.
Even with the summer window shut, the past week's developments show that business among Turkey's big four is far from settled. Transfer news can change quickly; follow official announcements for confirmation.