Colombian footballer Luis Suarez has openly admitted that an agreement was made with former presidential candidate Hakan Safi for a transfer to Fenerbahçe SK. However, Suarez stated that he ultimately decided to continue his career at Sporting.
According to a report by Fotomac this week, Suarez confirmed the transfer process in his statements. "I will not say that this never happened because it did," he said. The striker emphasized his honesty by stating, "If there is one thing that defines me, it is that I do not lie." Suarez also recalled that the Sporting president had previously made clear statements on the matter.
How did the process develop?
Hakan Safi publicly announced the Luis Suarez transfer during his candidacy period for the Fenerbahçe presidency last season. Suarez's recent statements reveal that this promise was not merely a rumor and that there was a real basis for agreement between the parties. The Colombian player acknowledged the negotiations with Safi but said the transfer ultimately did not materialize.
Suarez told cameras and fans that he did not go anywhere and that his entire focus is on Sporting. He said he will continue to show his loyalty to the club on the pitch. This decision also reassured Sporting technical director Rui Borges.
What did the Sporting management say?
Sporting technical director Rui Borges evaluated the situation following Suarez's statements. Borges said it is extremely natural for a successful striker like Luis Suarez to attract interest in the transfer market. He stated that transfer rumors can sometimes affect players' thoughts but he never doubted Suarez's professionalism.
Borges described Suarez as someone always focused on his work and working with high concentration. He emphasized that Luis Suarez did not show any unhappy or wanting-to-leave attitude at Sporting. Borges observed no desire to leave in either Suarez or any other player, stressing that all Sporting players are eager to help the club.
What is Fenerbahçe's current situation?
Fenerbahçe defeated Konyaspor 4-2 in their last league match. The Yellow-Navy Blues are 4th in the Süper Lig with 6 points, having scored 8 goals and conceded 6. They trail leaders Galatasaray by 4 points. Fenerbahçe are unbeaten in their last 5 matches with 3 wins and 2 draws. The team's position in the standings is promising early in the season.
Looking at the injury situation, Jayden Oosterwolde is currently sidelined. Fenerbahçe's next match will be away against 7th-placed Rizespor on October 11, 2026. The team's squad list and upcoming schedule can be followed.
What does this admission mean?
Luis Suarez's statements provide an important example of how clubs in Turkey conduct secret negotiations during transfer periods. Hakan Safi's transfer promise while a presidential candidate had a concrete basis beyond election propaganda. However, Suarez's decision to stay at Sporting caused Fenerbahçe to turn their striker search in other directions.
Fenerbahçe are currently showing good performance in scoring goals in the league. The team's form in the last 5 matches is WDDWW and they need to maintain this consistency. The Yellow-Navy Blues will continue their work to improve their statistics before the Rizespor match. Fenerbahçe's next Süper Lig match will be played away against Rizespor on October 11, 2026.
