Joe Mendes has completed a permanent transfer from Portuguese side Braga to Turkish Süper Lig club Samsunspor in a deal valued at approximately €1.2 million.
The 21-year-old Congolese right-back becomes the latest addition to Samsunspor’s squad as the Turkish outfit looks to strengthen its ranks ahead of the new campaign.
Mendes’ move represents a new chapter in his career, offering him the chance to test himself in a different competitive environment, with the Süper Lig continuing to attract investment and grow in stature on the European football scene.
Having developed through the youth system of AIK Solna in Sweden, Mendes made his professional breakthrough before making the switch to Braga.
Although his time in Portugal did not yield significant attacking returns, he featured regularly last season, registering 33 appearances across all competitions, with one goal and one assist to his name.
Despite modest statistics, Samsunspor’s management has expressed strong belief in Mendes’ potential and sees him as an important piece of their long-term vision.
The club has been actively reshaping its squad in pursuit of improved domestic form and greater impact in continental tournaments, as Turkish football aims to reclaim its competitive edge in Europe.
The transfer also marks an exciting opportunity for Mendes to grow in a more physical and tactically demanding league.
Turkish clubs, after a period of underperformance on the European stage, have been making concerted efforts to return to prominence, with significant financial backing and a clear desire to compete with clubs from the continent’s major leagues.
Samsunspor’s recruitment strategy this summer reflects that ambition, and Mendes arrives as a promising talent with room to develop. The club believes his pace, defensive versatility, and experience in different football cultures will serve them well in the months ahead.
For Mendes, this move is not only a step forward in his professional journey but also a platform to establish himself in a top-flight European league. With increased expectations, he will be aiming to improve on last season’s contributions and become a consistent performer under the guidance of the club’s technical staff.
Having now officially joined his new teammates in Turkey, Mendes is expected to take part in the club’s pre-season preparations as they gear up for the 2025–26 campaign. The coaching staff will be looking to integrate him quickly into their system as they set their sights on a stronger finish in the Süper Lig.
With the transfer now complete, all eyes will be on how the Congolese defender adapts to his new surroundings and whether he can help Samsunspor meet their growing ambitions both domestically and abroad.
