Fenerbahçe has made a bold move by officially securing the signing of Slovakian center-back Milan Skriniar from Paris Saint-Germain in a permanent transfer. The deal marks a direct victory over their arch-rivals, Galatasaray, who failed to sway PSG with their loan-with-purchase-option offer.

Transfer Details

At 29, Skriniar struggled to make an impact at PSG, playing only five Ligue 1 matches this season. Despite his limited role in France, the defender arrives in Istanbul with the mission of becoming a cornerstone in Fenerbahçe’s backline as they aim to bolster their defense for the second half of the 2024-2025 campaign.

Skriniar landed in Istanbul to undergo medical tests before finalizing the contract. Reports suggest he will earn €10 million per season, a figure that Fenerbahçe has committed to fully covering, underlining their determination to compete at the highest level.

The Battle with Galatasaray

This signing carries extra significance as it represents a symbolic triumph over Galatasaray in the transfer market. While Fenerbahçe presented a clear permanent transfer offer, Galatasaray's loan proposal with an option to buy fell short of convincing PSG, who preferred an immediate deal.

Currently chasing the leaders in the Turkish Süper Lig, Fenerbahçe also has its sights set on progressing in the UEFA Europa League. Skriniar's experience, including a successful stint at Inter Milan, is expected to solidify a defense in need of greater stability for both domestic and international challenges. This move aligns with the strategy of head coach José Mourinho, who is building a competitive squad capable of excelling on multiple fronts.

A High-Quality Addition

With Skriniar’s arrival, Fenerbahçe underscores its ambition to remain a top contender in Turkish and European football. The Slovakian defender brings proven quality, extensive experience in elite competitions, and the leadership skills needed to marshal the defense.

This transfer is not only a sporting boost but also a clear statement: Fenerbahçe is ready to invest heavily to achieve its goals and outshine its rivals, both on the pitch and in the transfer market.