Galatasaray eye move for South African defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi from Chicago

Galatasaray are considering a move for South African centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who is currently on the books at MLS side Chicago Fire FC.

The 20-year-old left-footed defender has emerged on the Turkish clubs radar after a rapid rise in value since moving to Chicago earlier this year, with his current market valuation listed at 3.5m.

Mbokazi only joined Chicago Fire FC from South African giants Orlando Pirates in January 2026, having earned promotion from the Pirates reserves to the first team in October 2024 before making the switch to Major League Soccer.

Born in Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal, and standing at 1.77m, Mbokazi has developed a reputation as a central defender, wearing the number 4 shirt for Chicago and representing a growing contingent of South African talent moving abroad at a young age.

His market value has climbed sharply over the past year, rising from 300,000 in May 2025 at Orlando Pirates to 2.5m shortly before his transfer to Chicago, before increasing again to 3.5m in June 2026 following his early months in MLS.

Mbokazi is already registered with Chicago Fire FC as his national team affiliation in the data, underlining how closely his development is tied to the club despite the short time he has been in the United States.

There is no indication yet of any agreement between Chicago and Galatasaray, and the rumour remains at an early stage, with Mbokazi continuing as a Chicago Fire FC player while the Turkish Super Lig side monitor his situation.