After José Mourinho, Fenerbahçe tries to lure two 'stars' from Barcelona

After hiring José Mourinho, Fenerbahçe is now focused on strengthening the squad to try to win the Turkish championship next season.

According to the Turkish press, there are two Barcelona footballers on the Istanbul club's radar: Ilkay Gundogan and Robert Lewandowski.

The German international midfielder, of Turkish descent, has one more year left on his contract with the Blaugrana and is a long-standing target of Fenerbahçe president Ali Koç. Gundogan's versatility and experience make him a valuable addition, and his cultural ties to Turkey could facilitate a move to Istanbul.

As for the Polish striker, he has two more years left on his contract with the Catalan club. However, Barcelona views his potential transfer favorably, not only because of his age (35) but also due to his salary, which contractually must be increased starting from the 2024/25 season. The newspaper Fanatik reveals that Fenerbahçe has already made initial contact with Barcelona and aims to close the deal as quickly as possible. Lewandowski's proven goal-scoring record would provide a significant boost to Fenerbahçe's attacking options.

The Turkish press also reports that José Mourinho has already identified the main gaps in Fenerbahçe's squad. The 61-year-old Portuguese coach wants five reinforcements: a central defender, a midfielder, two wingers, and a striker. Mourinho's tactical acumen and experience in managing top-tier clubs are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the new roster.

Mourinho, known for his meticulous planning and strategic vision, has already started evaluating potential signings. His aim is to build a balanced and competitive squad capable of challenging for the Süper Lig title and making a strong impression in European competitions. The club's management is reportedly fully backing Mourinho's vision and is prepared to support his transfer requests financially.

Fenerbahçe's ambition to attract high-profile players like Gundogan and Lewandowski signifies their commitment to reclaiming domestic glory and enhancing their reputation on the international stage. The potential signings are expected to not only improve the team's performance but also boost the club's commercial appeal and fan engagement.

The upcoming transfer window will be crucial for Fenerbahçe as they seek to assemble a squad that aligns with Mourinho's philosophy and tactical demands. The fans are eagerly anticipating the new season, hopeful that the club's strategic moves will translate into success on the field.