Leicester & Crystal Palace Target Ozan Tufan Revealed to Have £17m Release Clause

Fenerbahce's Ozan Tufan has a £17m release clause in his contract, according to the player's agent Utku Cenikli. 

The midfielder has impressed in the Turkish Super Lig this season, playing 21 times, scoring two goals and registering five assists. 

As a result, Tufan - who also sparkled during a loan spell at Alanyaspor last season - is being courted by a number of European clubs, with Leicester and Crystal Palace supposedly interested in signing the 24-year-old.

Tufan's agent admitted to ​Turkish Football that his client has a very reasonable £17m release clause, fuelling rumours linking the Turkey international with a summer transfer.

​Fotospor have also reported that the Foxes and the Eagles are among the most interested parties vying for his signature, with Fenerbahce unable to prevent Tufan leaving should his release clause be met by either club unless they can agree a new contract.

Cenikli claimed that Tufan has 'always wanted to play in Europe', while even suggesting that a deal between the player and Palace was agreed back in January 2018, but fell through due to the London club's pursuit of Alexander Sorloth.

Lucas Hernandez,Ozan Tufan

Tufan can also fill in at right-back, despite chiefly being used as a defensive midfielder, and such versatility is one of the reasons that Roy Hodgson's side are so interested. 

​Palace have struggled at right-back after the departure of Aaron Wan-Bissaka last summer, but have also lacked competition for places in midfield.


Meanwhile, ​Leicester have enjoyed remarkable success this season, currently sitting third in the Premier League, but have continually struggled when defensive midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has been absent.


Signing Tufan would provide cover, and competition, for the Nigerian midfielder, and such depth may be crucial given the increasing likelihood that Nampalys Mendy will leave the King Power Stadium.

Wilfred Ndidi

While Leicester currently employ Caglar Soyuncu, they have previously been linked with a host of other Turkey internationals in recent windows, with Merih Demiral and Hakan Calhanoglu previously touted for potential moves.


Source : 90min