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Fenerbahçe step up interest in Brighton's Yasin Ayari

·By Paul Lindisfarne
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Fenerbahçe step up interest in Brighton's Yasin Ayari

Brighton/X.com

Fenerbahçe are intensifying their pursuit of Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari ahead of the January transfer window, according to Turkish outlet Fotomac.

AIK sold the Sweden international to Brighton in January 2023, inserting a sell-on clause into the deal, and Ayari has since established himself as a regular in Fabian Hurzeler's midfield.

The 22-year-old has long been linked with a move to a bigger club, particularly following his performances at the World Cup, and interest has continued to build over recent months.

Earlier this month, it was reported that both Fenerbahçe and fellow Turkish giants Galatasaray had shown interest in Ayari, while Liverpool and Chelsea have also continued to monitor his situation. Ayari is entering the final year of his contract, though The Athletic reported this week that Brighton hold an option to extend his deal to the summer of 2028.

According to Fotomac, Fenerbahçe are now planning to open talks over a possible move in the winter window, having endured a difficult start to their own season. The Turkish club sit 11th in the Super Lig after five matches and opened their Champions League campaign with a 1-1 draw at home to Roma last week, results that have increased the pressure to strengthen the squad.

Ayari has scored once in three Premier League appearances so far this season, continuing the impressive form that has caught the attention of clubs across Europe. He has scored five goals and provided two assists in 25 caps for Sweden at senior level, underlining his growing importance both for Brighton and on the international stage.

Any move to Fenerbahçe would represent a significant step for the midfielder, though Brighton's determination to secure his long-term future suggests any approach will not go unchallenged.

Brighton have built a reputation in recent years for developing young talent before selling for significant profit, and Ayari's situation follows a familiar pattern for the club.

Having previously spent time on loan at Coventry City and Blackburn Rovers before establishing himself in Brighton's first team, the midfielder has become an increasingly important figure under Hurzeler, making him a player the club will be reluctant to sell regardless of the interest from Turkey or elsewhere.