Samsunspor chairman addresses fan transfer concerns

Samsunspor Chairman Yüksel Yıldırım has directly addressed the club's supporters, acknowledging their frustration over the pace of transfer activity. In a social media statement, Yıldırım assured fans that the management understands their desire for reinforcements in identified weak areas and takes their criticisms seriously.

"As management, we understand our Samsunspor fans very well. We also understand their criticisms very well and consider them normal," Yıldırım stated. He explained that the current summer transfer window has been complicated by the World Cup, leading to delays and inflated prices. "Unfortunately, this summer's transfers opened late and very expensively due to the World Cup," he noted.

Yıldırım outlined the club's current transfer priorities, confirming ongoing, meticulous negotiations for two center-backs, one or two midfielders (an '8/10' role), and a striker. He also assured fans that if any current players depart, the club would seek even better replacements. The chairman stressed that the club's focus is on building a sustainable team for the next three to four years, prioritizing Samsunspor's long-term interests.

Highlighting the club's financial strategy, Yıldırım pointed to past successes, such as the acquisition and subsequent sale of Drongelen, and the purchase of Ali Diabate for €100,000. He revealed that a €8 million offer from Saudi Arabia for Diabate was recently rejected, as the club believes in the player's future potential and wishes to retain developing talents. "We want to protect these players as a club when we have such assets," he said.

Yıldırım also mentioned that players like Jaures Assoumou, Coulibaly, and Afonso Souza, who faced injury issues last season, will be considered new additions to the squad this season. He expressed confidence in the team and the coach, envisioning a squad that can consistently rank in the top five of the league within two to three years. He concluded by appealing for patience and continued support from the fans, emphasizing unity: "There is only one Samsunspor, and We are enough for ourselves!"