Antalyaspor is facing a cost of €2.16 million for five players who are not part of the first-team plans for the 2026-2027 season. This significant financial outlay highlights a burden on the club's resources despite recent transfer activity.

The cost covers Julian Cuesta (€650k), Dario Saric (€550k), Kenneth Paal (€750k), Mouhamed El Bachir Gueye (€10k), and a €200k severance payment to Yohan Boli, who left after the season started. Most of these players remain listed on the club's squad page but are not featuring regularly.

Club president Mustafa Ergün announced on 21 August 2026 that a total of 22 debt files (16 FIFA and 6 TFF) that had been blocking transfers had been resolved. Ergün stated, "The debt in the FIFA files was 4 million 250 thousand Euro, and the burden in the TFF files was at the level of 33 million 100 thousand TL." The cost for the five players corresponds to roughly 51% of the cleared FIFA debt.

This financial picture emerges as Antalyaspor competes in the 1. Lig. The team currently sits eighth with 12 points from eight matches, having won three and lost two of their last five games. After a 3-0 win over Vanspor FK on 20 September, Antalyaspor now prepares for an away fixture against Boluspor on 10 October.

Following the debt resolution, the club brought in new signings like Güray Vural and Pedrinho. However, the arrival of these players coincided with some existing squad members being left without a license or out of the plans. For instance, left-back Güray Vural was signed while Kenneth Paal, who plays the same position, remains on a three-year contract. Similarly, the signing of forward Pedrinho occurred as Dario Saric was unable to obtain a license.

At the club's Ordinary General Meeting on 18 September 2026, Mustafa Ergün's new management was elected for a three-year term and financial statements were approved. As Antalyaspor continues its league campaign, aiming to climb the table visible on the standings page, managing this financial weight remains a key challenge.

Further reading: Antalya Gündem Gazetesi