Malian forward Nene Dorgeles is set for a surprising move to Turkish giants Fenerbahçe, despite earlier transfer links with Premier League side Manchester United.
Just months ago, respected transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed that United had expressed interest in the 22-year-old, monitoring his progress closely and considering a summer approach.
However, contrary to expectations of a move to one of Europe’s biggest leagues, Dorgeles has chosen Istanbul as his next destination.
According to Belgian reporter Sacha Tavolieri, the Red Bull Salzburg winger has reached an agreement in principle with Fenerbahçe, where he is expected to sign a long-term contract under the management of José Mourinho.
Negotiations are now ongoing between the Turkish club and Salzburg to finalise a transfer fee, with discussions believed to be centred around €20 million.
Dorgeles, who remains under contract with the Austrian champions until June 2028, has enjoyed a rapid rise in European football. Beginning his professional career with Red Bull’s feeder side Liefering, he later featured for SV Ried and Westerlo before becoming a regular for Salzburg.
His dynamic style of play, combining pace, creativity, and an eye for goal, has made him one of Mali’s most promising young internationals.
So far this campaign, Dorgeles has featured in seven matches across all competitions, starting five. He has already contributed two goals and one assist, underlining his importance to Salzburg’s attacking setup.
His form last season was even more impressive, with 24 direct goal involvements — 15 goals and nine assists — in 49 appearances.
The Abidjan-born forward ended the previous campaign in blistering form, scoring seven goals and adding two assists in his final seven league fixtures. His performances not only boosted Salzburg’s domestic campaign but also heightened his reputation on the international stage.
For Mali, Dorgeles has won 23 senior caps, scoring once. His most notable moment in national colours came in November when he produced a hat-trick during a 6-0 demolition of Eswatini in the final round of AFCON 2025 qualification. That display reaffirmed his growing stature within the national team setup and further drew the attention of European scouts.
While a move to the Premier League or another major European league appeared likely, the allure of working under Mourinho at Fenerbahçe has seemingly shifted Dorgeles’s trajectory.
The Turkish side, eager to strengthen their squad with high-calibre young talent, view the Malian forward as a long-term asset capable of making an immediate impact in the Super Lig and European competitions.
If the deal is concluded, Salzburg are set to make a significant profit on a player currently valued at around €20 million on Transfermarkt. For Dorgeles, the move represents both a challenge and an opportunity: the chance to play under a world-renowned coach, while stepping into a club where expectations of success are high.
As talks progress, Fenerbahçe fans await confirmation of a signing that could bring fresh attacking flair to Mourinho’s side. For Dorgeles, it marks the next step in a career that continues to gather momentum, albeit in a direction few had anticipated.
