Returning to Fenerbahçe, Vedat Muriqi departs RCD Mallorca in a transfer deal valued at approximately €15 million. The Kosovan international previously spent a season at Fenerbahçe before moving through various European clubs over the last six years. Journalist Fabrizio Romano verified the transfer, noting that personal terms have already been finalized, keeping Muriqi with the club until 2029.
Muriqi's return is pivotal for both his footballing career and the political landscape at Fenerbahçe. Last season, he netted an impressive 23 league goals for Mallorca, showcasing his offensive capabilities. The election of Aziz Yıldırım as Fenerbahçe president in June 2026 marked a new chapter for the club, and his commitment to signing Muriqi highlights the strategic importance of this acquisition, as he was identified as a key target during Yıldırım's campaign.
The initial asking price from Mallorca ranged between €18 million and €20 million for Muriqi. Ultimately, the agreement settling closer to €15 million indicates that Fenerbahçe's negotiation tactics successfully diminished Mallorca's leverage as the transfer window progressed, which is notable given Mallorca's recent relegation from La Liga.
Muriqi's journey back to Istanbul began when he first joined Fenerbahçe in July 2019 under a four-year contract, scoring 17 goals in the 2019/20 Süper Lig season before transferring to Lazio in 2020. After a loan spell at Mallorca beginning in early 2022, he made a permanent move for around €7.7 million in July 2022 with a five-year contract.
Now contracted until 2029, Muriqi will be a crucial player for Fenerbahçe until reaching the age of 35. His transfer signifies more than just a player acquisition; it reflects the shifting dynamics within the football club and the impact of recent changes, especially considering Mallorca's struggles in the top league. Fenerbahçe is evidently setting strategic goals for both their current season and future growth.