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How Mourinho's Fenerbahce could line up with ex-Prem boss raiding his old clubs

03 June 2024 , 10:41
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Scroll down to see the full XI
Scroll down to see the full XI

THE SPECIAL ONE is back in management after almost six months away from the dugout.

Jose Mourinho has put pen to paper on a contract that will see him take charge of Turkish giants Fenerbahce until 2026.

Jose Mourinho has signed on as the new Fenerbahce boss eidexiqqdiqzqprw
Jose Mourinho has signed on as the new Fenerbahce bossCredit: Rex
Familiar face Fred is already lining up for the Turkish giants
Familiar face Fred is already lining up for the Turkish giantsCredit: Getty

Mourinho will oversee the Super Lig outfit who narrowly missed out on the title this season to rivals Galatasaray.

And the Portuguese gaffer will be hoping he can put together a squad that will bring an end to their 10-year wait to regain the title of Turkish champions.

With Mourinho's vast experience and the catalogue of incredible players he has managed, SunSport takes a look at how Fenerbahce could line up next year with some new faces coming through the door.

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Despite Fenerbahce conceding the second least amount of goals in the Turkish Super Lig last season, there will need to be some changes at the back.

Dominik Livakovic will likely maintain his place in between the sticks while in-demand left-back Ferdi Kadioglu would slot in with former QPR right-back Bright Osayi-Samuel.

All three were crucial cogs in Fernerbahce's team last season and will be expected to form part of the base of Mourinho's outfit too.

Unfortunately for Mourinho, he will be losing the centre-back partnership that was used by the Turkish club last season.

Leonardo Bonucci is hanging up his boots while Caglar Soyuncu will be returning to Leicester City following the expiration of his season-long loan.

Victor Lindelof could reunite with Mourinho
Victor Lindelof could reunite with MourinhoCredit: Alamy
Harry Maguire may finally play under 'the special one'
Harry Maguire may finally play under 'the special one'Credit: Getty

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Mourinho signed Victor Lindelof for Manchester United in 2017, and the out-of-favour Swede could be a budget option to bring in as a replacement for one of the two outgoing centre-backs.

And it could be a double swoop back at his former employers with Harry Maguire a potential option to join Mourinho out in Turkey.

Maguire never actually played under Mourinho, but the 61-year-old was desperate to sign him during his time in Manchester.

Maguire had a turbulent time at the Theatre of Dreams last season and could be on the chopping block in the summer.

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A deal wouldn't be easy though with the England star's wages likely to be a problem and reports suggesting he is keen to stay at United to fight for his place.

Stepping into midfield and Mourinho already has a familiar face at the club.

Former Man Utd midfielder Fred, who was signed at Old Trafford by Mourinho for £47m, made the switch to Fenerbahce last season - expect him to be a regular starter under his former gaffer.

Alongside Fred there will be a need for a playmaker.

Tottenham are reportedly looking to shift on Giovanni Lo Celso this summer with Ange Postecoglou's revolution in full swing.

Mourinho bought Lo Celso during his days at Spurs in a deal worth around £40m.

Giovani Lo Celso could offer a creative outlet on loan
Giovani Lo Celso could offer a creative outlet on loanCredit: AFP

The Argentine could find himself heading out on loan after starting just four Premier League games for Spurs last season.

Further up the pitch and playing just behind the striker could be Paulo Dybala.

Dybala was superb under Mourinho at Roma and has been name-dropped as potential signing by Fernerbahce presidential candidate Aziz Yildirim.

The front three is where things get really exciting for Fenerbahce fans.

Dusan Tadic registered 24 goal contributions in his first season with Fenerbahce last term and will likely keep his spot in the lineup.

While Fulham winger Willian could be another addition with the Brazilian heading into the twilight of his career and, as things stand, a free agent this summer.

Willian excelled under Mourinho at Chelsea with 'The Special One' responsible for the bringing him to Stamford Bridge in 2013.

The final piece of the puzzle would be a new striker.

And despite Edin Dzeko netting 21 time for Fenerbahce in the league last season, there has already been another big name linked with a move.

Potential president Yildirim has also named Romelu Lukaku as a transfer target this summer.

Lukaku, who is still on the books at Chelsea, has played under Mourinho at Man Utd, Roma and The Blues.

The Belgian should be available for a cut-price this summer after his £100m Stamford Bridge return has fallen apart - seeing him sent on loan twice already.

Romelu Lukaku has played under Mourinho at three different clubs
Romelu Lukaku has played under Mourinho at three different clubsCredit: Getty
Paulo Dybala has already been linked with a move to Fenerbahce
Paulo Dybala has already been linked with a move to FenerbahceCredit: Getty
Willian was a top signing under Mourinho at Chelsea
Willian was a top signing under Mourinho at ChelseaCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Joshua Hall

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