Fenerbahce Targets Barcelona’s Álex Collado in Ambitious Transfer Move

Barcelona’s academy product, Álex Collado, has become a prime target for Fenerbahce. Despite being signed by Real Betis in 2023 at no cost, Collado was immediately loaned to Al-Okhood, a newly-promoted team in the Saudi Arabian top division. Despite making his debut with Barcelona’s first team, Collado struggled to secure a spot and saw his contract with the Catalan club expire in 2023 after loan spells with Granada and Elche. Betis signed him for free, but due to overcrowding in the right-wing and attacking midfield positions, the club decided to loan him out, with Barcelona retaining a 30% future sale clause.

In the midst of offers from Almeria, Las Palmas, AEK Athens, and Turkish club Anatylaspor, Collado opted for the emerging Saudi Arabian league. Having played 18 matches and provided one assist for Al-Akhood, currently sitting twelfth in the league.

As Fenerbahce, currently tied for the Super Lig lead with Galatasaray, looks to strengthen its squad, Collado emerges as a key attacking option. Reports from various Turkish media suggest that Collado is not the only player on Fenerbahce’s radar. Brazilian forward Michael, 27, who moved from Flamengo to Al-Hilal, and Jota, the 24-year-old former Celtic standout now with Al-Ittihad, are also on the club’s wishlist.

With the Turkish transfer window closing on February 15, Fenerbahce is focused on the Saudi Arabian league. The Istanbul-based club aims to compete not only for the league title but also in the Conference League, where they topped their group. In this transfer window, Fenerbahce has already secured experienced defenders like Bonucci and Soyüncu.