Turkish giants Fenerbahce completed the signing of Guinea-born striker Sidiki Cherif last month from French side Angers in a deal worth up to €25 million.
The 19-year-old began his senior career in France with the Angers B-team, before earning promotion to the first team in 2023. Although injuries hindered his development in the early stages of his time at the club, he became a regular this season and scored four times in 19 appearances for the club until his departure.
Angers have agreed a deal worth up to €25 million, and if all add-ons are met, he would become the joint-most expensive sale in the club’s history, matching the €25 million fee Olympique Lyon paid for Jeff Reine-Adelaide in 2019.
Fenerbahce had been in the market for attacking reinforcements as they look to challenge Galatasaray for the Turkish league this season. They were also looking to replace Moroccan forward Youssef En-Nesyri, who recently joined Al Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League and had viewed Cherif as a suitable alternative given his young age and versatility in attack.
Transfer fee and Contract details
Fenerbahce agreed a total transfer package of around €25 million to complete the signing of Sidiki Cherif from Angers. The deal includes an initial €4 million loan fee, with an obligation to sign permanently at the end of the season for €21 million — which includes a fixed €18 million and €3 million in add-ons.
The 19-year-old also agreed a four-year contract at the club, potentially keeping him until 2030.
The Turkish club beat competition from Crystal Palace to his signature. The English club had first registered their interest and made a bid, but could not agree a fee with Angers, allowing Fenerbahce to swoop in.
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Salary details
Per Capology, Sidiki Cherif earned about €7,885 per week during his spell at Angers amounting to around €410,000 per year, but will receive a significant rise at Fenerbahce.
The Turkish club total investments in the 19-year-old is expected to exceed €27 million, which is considered a bargain given his quality and age.
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From Western France to Istanbul
Sidiki Cherif began his career at Angers and enjoyed a breakout campaign during this first-half of the current campaign, where he became the club’s topscorer with four goals.
The young forward has now moved to Turkey and will be hoping to help Fenerbahce in their quest to win a first league title since the 2013-14 season and end Galatasaray’s recent stronghold.
