Mehmet Topal swaps Fenerbahce for Basaksehir

The Turkish midfielder Mehmet Topal has joined his former club’s city rivals, Istanbul Basaksehir.

Istanbul Basaksehir have announced the transfer of Mehmet Topal on a free transfer.

The Super Lig club confirmed the transfer on Monday on their official website, revealing that the 33-year-old midfielder has inked a one-year contract with an optional one-year extension.

The defensive midfielder was a free agent after his former club, Fenerbahce, terminated his contract in June.

Istanbul Basaksehir chairman Goksel Gumusdag said the club are happy with the player’s arrival, praising the player for his contributions to the Turkish national team for roughly 10 years.

The experienced midfielder lists Galatasaray and Fenerbahce as his former Turkish clubs as well as La Liga outfit Valencia where he spent a a short part of this career.

During his seven year stint with Fenerbahce, Topal made 298 appearances during which he scored 24 goals and made 25 assists.