Four new Fenerbahçe SK signings are poised to experience their first derby this weekend when the team hosts Beşiktaş. According to a report by Hürriyet Spor, Nathan Ake, Mason Greenwood, Romelu Lukaku, and Kojo Peprah Oppong will make their Fenerbahçe-Beşiktaş debut if selected by head coach İsmail Kartal. The match is scheduled for Saturday in the 4th week of the Trendyol Süper Lig.
The club currently sits 4th in the league standings with 6 points from 3 games, recording 2 wins and 1 loss. They have scored 7 goals and conceded 4, leaving them just 1 point behind leaders Galatasaray. This position adds an extra layer of importance to the upcoming derby clash.
Which players are facing their first derby?
For Nathan Ake, Mason Greenwood, Romelu Lukaku, and Kojo Peprah Oppong, this will be their first Beşiktaş derby in a Fenerbahçe shirt. For Oppong, it would also mark his first-ever match against Beşiktaş. Youngsters Tarık Çetin and Bartuğ Elmaz have previously faced the rival only in the Turkish Cup. Both are now in line for their first league derby experience. Head coach İsmail Kartal's selection will be the final determinant.
Alongside this inexperience, a significant veteran presence has returned, as seen on the club's squad page. Striker Vedat Muriqi rejoined Fenerbahçe in the summer transfer window. The 32-year-old expressed his excitement, saying, "6 YIL SONRA DERBİDE" (Derby after 6 years). Muriqi is set to play against Beşiktaş for the first time in six years.
What happened in Vedat Muriqi's last derby?
Vedat Muriqi's last Beşiktaş derby during his first spell at Fenerbahçe took place on 19 July 2020. In that match, Muriqi received a red card in the 25th minute. Fenerbahçe went on to lose the game 2-0. Now, preparing for his first derby in his second stint, Muriqi aims to write a different story. The offensive numbers on the team's stats page could benefit from his contribution.
How do injuries affect the derby squad?
İsmail Kartal must also consider an injury list when finalizing his derby lineup. The club's injuries list includes Jayden Oosterwolde, Kerem Aktürkoğlu, Marco Asensio, Talisca, and Çağlar Söyüncü. The absence of these key players means the new signings and younger squad members may need to step up. Kartal's tactical choices under these circumstances are a major point of interest.
Following the derby, Fenerbahçe will travel to face Başakşehir, who are currently 9th in the table. That match is scheduled for 6 December 2026. This challenging away fixture on the team's fixtures calendar will be an important test in the post-derby period. Every point is valuable to maintain their current 4th place and close the 1-point gap in the title race.
