Fenerbahçe have stunned Turkish football by securing not one, but two major defensive reinforcements ahead of the 2025–26 campaign, announcing the permanent capture of Slovakia centre-back Milan Škriniar from Paris Saint‑Germain and the free‑transfer arrival of Portuguese international Nelson Semedo following the expiry of his Wolverhampton Wanderers contract.
Škriniar, who had impressed during a loan spell in the second half of 2024–25, has reportedly committed to a four‑year deal worth around €8 million per season.
Semedo has signed a two‑year contract, with the club’s official statement warmly declaring: “We say ‘Welcome to our family’ to Nelson Semedo and wish him many more victories and championships” with Fenerbahçe.
Škriniar’s journey to Kadıköy began in January when the former Inter Milan stalwart joined on loan from PSG until the end of the season.
Despite a slow start and a spell out of action, he soon became the bedrock of José Mourinho’s defence, helping Fenerbahçe to secure second place in the Süper Lig and clinch his position as an immovable presence on the pitch.
Prior to that, he built his reputation through over six seasons at Inter—winning Serie A, Coppa Italia and Supercoppa titles—before joining PSG in 2023. His time in Paris was marred by limited playing time under Luis Enrique, making the move to Turkey a practical reset for a player still very much in his prime at 30 years old.
Speaking after the switch was confirmed, Škriniar told FBTV: “The atmosphere was truly incredible. During the first match I watched from the stands, I clearly witnessed the immense support and chants from the fans … I am someone who always strives to give my best and do everything I can for the team … Joining Fenerbahçe was a fantastic and wonderful decision. I am very happy to be here.”
The move underscores Fenerbahçe’s ambition to close the gap on Istanbul rivals Galatasaray and challenge for titles both domestically and in Europe.
Mourinho, now well-identifying the importance of a defensive spine capable of high-level competition, has orchestrated Škriniar’s arrival and clearly has midfielders like Oğuzhan Özyakup, İrfan Can Kahveci and Edin Džeko in mind when building a balanced squad.
Škriniar’s consistency and leadership offer the club not just individual defensive quality, but a calming focal point around which Mourinho can structure his tactical plans.
Semedo, 31, brings a different kind of pedigree. Having risen through Benfica’s ranks before earning a €35.7 million move to Barcelona in 2017, he added La Liga titles to his CV before transferring to Wolves in 2020 for €32 million.
Over five seasons at Molineux, he made 182 appearances and served as club captain, offering pace, defensive grit and wide attacking thrust. His departure from Wolves at the end of June opened the door for Fenerbahçe to swoop, beating domestic rivals Beşiktaş and joining forces with Mourinho’s international vision.
Semedo did not hold back in expressing his excitement at the club’s official unveiling. “I am thrilled and grateful to be here. Fenerbahçe is the club I wanted to join because our ambitions align perfectly,” he said, adding: “I am very glad to work with Mourinho. He is a very good coach. One of the best in the world… Learning from him is a privilege. I cannot wait to get started.”
Taken together, the arrivals of Škriniar and Semedo take Fenerbahçe’s defensive cohort from competitive to genuinely formidable. In central defence, Škriniar has displayed his customary aerial dominance and calm composure under pressure.
On the right flank, Semedo’s ability to combine intelligent positional play with dynamic runs should complement Fenerbahçe’s ambition to control wide areas and build from the back.
Mourinho’s preference for players who understand structure—while offering forward drive—will be satisfied by this marriage of Slavic pragmatism and Portuguese technique.
The significance for the club cannot be overstated. Since winning the Süper Lig in 2013–14, Fenerbahçe have stagnated beneath the shadow of Galatasaray, winning cup competitions but falling short in league bids.
The January 2025 loan addition of Škriniar reignited fan belief, as he immediately became a poster boy for resilience and commitment on and off the field.
Meanwhile, Semedo’s signing signals the club’s readiness to attract free‑agent experienced internationals with pedigree across Europe’s top leagues.