Romelu Lukaku has become the latest prominent footballer to secure a lucrative move to the Turkish Super Lig, joining a growing list of high-profile players in Turkey this summer. Lukaku arrived this week to finalize his transfer to Fenerbahce, where he was greeted by enthusiastic supporters. The Belgian striker is set to be officially unveiled at a ceremony on Friday.
Lukaku's move follows similar high-value transfers this summer, including those of Leandro Trossard, Mason Greenwood, Dusan Vlahovic, and notably Mohamed Salah. Galatasaray has also reportedly made a significant offer for Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli, though the player is not currently inclined to move to Turkey.
While Turkey has long been a destination for established players, the current influx of talent has drawn comparisons to the recent wave of signings in the Saudi Pro League. Financial incentives appear to be a primary driver for these moves.
Mohamed Salah's transfer to Trabzonspor, for example, includes a guaranteed annual payment of €17,000,000 (£14.5 million), comprising a €10,000,000 salary and a €7,000,000 signing fee. Players also receive performance bonuses and a percentage of revenue from merchandise bearing their name. Dusan Vlahovic has also secured a reported £6.4 million annual salary over three seasons.
The Turkish tax system further enhances the financial appeal. Players benefit from an exemption that results in a base tax rate of 20%, significantly lower than standard progressive rates. Clubs typically absorb these tax implications, meaning the reported figures represent players' net pay rather than gross salaries subject to higher deductions. This arrangement could see players like Salah earning approximately £500,000 weekly, a considerable increase from their previous wages.
Beyond the financial aspects, Turkish clubs have invested in improving facilities and lifestyle offerings to remain competitive. Galatasaray opened a new £17.5 million training facility last year and has developed an exclusive island destination for players. Besiktas, which moved into a new stadium a decade ago, is planning a new training ground and is pursuing a real estate project to address its debts. These investments aim to provide an attractive environment for top international talent.