Turkish clubs press for looser foreign player age limit

The Turkish Clubs' Union will meet on Friday to propose changing the foreign‑player rule from the current 12+2 system, where four foreign players must be born on or after 1 January 2004, to a broader age cut‑off of players born in 2000 or later. The clubs intend to submit a joint request to the Turkish Football Federation, hoping the change will give them more flexibility in scouting and signing foreign talent aged 23‑26.

At the same time, Galatasaray is reshaping its squad ahead of the new season. The club plans to part ways with several foreign players, including loanees Sacha Boey, Noa Lang and Yaser Asprilla, while also negotiating with Argentine striker Mauro Icardi. Talks have stalled over contract clauses tied to disciplinary concerns, and the club is not prepared to raise its current offer. Galatasaray’s management is also evaluating the futures of other foreign players such as Frankowski, Jelert and Nelsson, aiming to reduce the wage bill and comply with the upcoming rule changes.