KSAsportz report
RIYADH — In a significant move for the Saudi Pro League, Saudi champions Al Hilal have secured the services of Turkish teenage defender Yusuf Akcicek from Fenerbahce for a reported €22 million. This transfer highlights Al Hilal’s commitment to strengthening their squad ahead of the upcoming season.
The 19-year-old center-back, widely recognized as one of Turkey’s most promising talents, has inked a four-year contract that will keep him at Al Hilal until the summer of 2029. His addition is expected to enhance the team’s defensive lineup, which finished last season with a 71% clean sheet rate.
The announcement was made on Monday, with the club heralding the signing with the phrase “A new shield in Al Hilal’s squad” across their official X account.
Born on January 25, 2006, Akcicek joins Al Hilal under the foreign-born player rule for U-21 footballers. This strategic acquisition allows the Riyadh club to utilize his classification as a youth player for the next three seasons, managing their squad’s foreign player quota more effectively.
Despite his youth, Akcicek has already made a mark on the international stage, earning two caps for the Turkish national team during the latest international window. His potential was further showcased last season, where he made 17 senior appearances for Fenerbahce under the guidance of esteemed coach Jose Mourinho, demonstrating impressive composure and defensive acumen.
Al Hilal has confirmed that Akcicek will join his new teammates once he completes his current international commitments.