‘I don’t understand what is happening’ – Novak stunned by Turkish Super Lig’s transfer boom

Former Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce defender Filip Novak says he cannot believe the number of high-profile players now moving to the Turkish Super Lig, with Mohamed Salah, Fabinho, Romelu Lukaku, Rafael Leao, Dusan Vlahovic and Leandro Trossard among the names involved in major deals this summer.

The 36-year-old Slovakia left-back made the comments during an interview with Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, in which he reflected on the growing international appeal of the Turkish top flight.

Salah and Fabinho have joined Trabzonspor, while Lukaku has moved to Fenerbahce. Leao has signed for Galatasaray, and Besiktas have brought in Vlahovic and Trossard.

“I don’t understand what is happening. I don’t know why so many stars are coming to Turkey, but I think it is perfect for the Turkish league,” Novak said.

“All the matches are sold out there, and the fans are passionate.”

Novak, who also played for Czech club Jablonec, suggested another major name could soon arrive in Turkey. He said there had been discussions about Richarlison joining Trabzonspor and expressed his enthusiasm at the prospect of facing the club.

“Richarlison could be the next star. There are discussions about his move to Trabzonspor. There are so many great players! I am very happy and I am really looking forward to playing against Trabzonspor,” he said.

Novak added that he retains a strong personal affection for both Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce.

“I am a big fan of Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce, so I wish them the best,” he said.

Osimhen’s influence

Novak believes Victor Osimhen’s move to Galatasaray was the deal that changed perceptions of the Turkish market.

“Osimhen changed the transfer market, and his move to Galatasaray was a turning point. The Nigerian opened the door for other players who came to Turkey after him,” Novak said.

He pointed to the arrivals of Leao, aged 27, and Vlahovic, aged 26, as evidence that the league is now attracting players who are still in the prime stages of their careers.

“Yes, I completely believe that. Osimhen was the first great young player to go there. He was one of the best strikers in the world, and he still is,” Novak said.

“I don’t know who is the best. I do not follow transfer news very closely; I only follow the transfer market.”

Novak said Turkey had previously been viewed mainly as a destination for experienced or ageing players, particularly those looking for a final major move.

“In the past, Turkey was mostly a preferred destination for older players, but now we are also seeing players in their twenties. In my time, Istanbul was generally preferred by experienced players,” he said.

“But when you sign a young player, other young players see him move there and follow his example.”

He believes that trend can only benefit the competition, particularly with Galatasaray and Fenerbahce qualifying for the Champions League.

“Now even younger players are joining, and that is positive for the Turkish Super Lig. Galatasaray and Fenerbahce have also qualified for the Champions League, which is positive for them as well,” Novak said.

The scale of the market has nevertheless left him surprised. He said he checks social media each day to see which players are being linked with Turkish clubs.

“Things are starting to get out of control. I check Twitter (X) every day and see who will join the team, and they are all big names,” he said.

Novak also praised Mason Greenwood, whom he watched during his time in France.

“Greenwood is an excellent player, I watched him in France. He scores a lot of goals and is a top-class player. He is also one of the big names,” Novak said, according to Turkish newspaper Hurriyet.