Kerem Demirbay Eyes Istanbul Return After Frustrating Stint at Eyüpspor

Experienced midfielder Kerem Demirbay is poised to leave Turkish Süper Lig side Eyüpspor, seeking a return to a more prominent role in Istanbul. The 31-year-old, who joined Eyüpspor at the start of the season, has found first-team opportunities limited and is now exploring options to reignite his career.

Demirbay has made 15 appearances in the Süper Lig for Eyüpspor, registering one assist. However, a lack of consistent playing time has prompted the German-born player to consider his future.

A Career Forged in Germany and Turkey

Demirbay’s footballing journey began in Germany, progressing through the youth ranks of Schalke and Borussia Dortmund. He made his professional debut with Hamburg in 2013, spending time on loan at Kaiserslautern and Fortuna Düsseldorf before establishing himself as a key player for Hoffenheim.

At Hoffenheim, Demirbay flourished, contributing 12 goals and 25 assists in 88 appearances across all competitions. His impressive performances attracted the attention of Bayer Leverkusen, who secured his services for a reported €32 million in 2019.

During his four seasons with Leverkusen, Demirbay became a vital component of the team, featuring in 149 matches and adding 15 goals and 27 assists. He then made a move to Galatasaray in 2023, where he enjoyed success, winning two Süper Lig titles, the Turkish Cup, and the Super Cup.

His time at Galatasaray saw him make 76 appearances, scoring 7 goals and providing 9 assists. Despite his contributions, Demirbay ultimately sought a new challenge, leading to his transfer to Eyüpspor.

Istanbul Remains the Priority

Sources close to the player indicate that Demirbay’s preference is to remain in Istanbul, allowing him to continue his career in a familiar environment. Currently registered as a foreign player in the Süper Lig, his options may be influenced by league regulations regarding foreign player quotas.

The Turkish Süper Lig currently allows teams to field a maximum of 14 foreign players. This rule often impacts player movement and can create competition for places, particularly for players like Demirbay who don’t possess Turkish citizenship.

The Broader Impact of Player Movement in Turkish Football

Demirbay’s situation highlights a growing trend in Turkish football: the influx of experienced foreign players seeking opportunities in the Süper Lig. While this brings a higher level of competition and quality to the league, it also creates challenges for domestic players and impacts the development of local talent. The Turkish Football Federation is continually evaluating regulations to balance the benefits of foreign investment with the need to nurture homegrown players.

The potential departure of Demirbay from Eyüpspor will undoubtedly be closely watched by other Süper Lig clubs, with several teams potentially vying for his signature. His experience and proven track record make him an attractive prospect for any team looking to strengthen their midfield.