Fenerbahçe Still Paying Mesut Özil Despite Exit – Reports

Istanbul – Fenerbahçe are continuing to feel the financial repercussions of a high-profile, and ultimately unsuccessful, signing from 2021. Reports emerging from Turkey indicate the club is still making payments to former midfielder Mesut Özil, despite his departure from the team over a year ago.

The claim, initially reported by Turkish sports journalist Sercan Hamzaoğlu, centers around the terms of Özil’s contract termination. While the German international moved to İstanbul Başakşehir before retiring, Fenerbahçe remains obligated to cover a significant portion of his wages.

Özil arrived at Fenerbahçe with considerable fanfare in January 2021, but his time at the club was marred by controversy and ultimately ended acrimoniously. After being excluded from the squad by then-manager İsmail Kartal, his contract was mutually terminated in July 2022, paving the way for a short stint with Başakşehir. However, the financial implications of that termination are now becoming clear.

According to Hamzaoğlu, the terms of the contract termination stipulated a continued, installment-based payment to Özil. This ongoing financial burden is reportedly impacting Fenerbahçe’s transfer budget and overall cash flow. The news has sparked considerable debate among Fenerbahçe supporters, who are frustrated by the lingering cost of a player who ultimately failed to make a significant impact on the pitch.

This situation echoes a similar financial strain experienced by Arsenal in the years following Özil’s departure from the Premier League. February 14, 2026 reports confirm Arsenal continued to pay approximately 90% of Özil’s £350,000-a-week wages even after he joined Fenerbahçe on a free transfer. The Gunners weren’t fully relieved of the financial obligation until the end of June 2021, a testament to the complexities of negotiating the exit of a high-earning player.

Özil, who earned 92 caps for the German national team and was a key member of the 2014 World Cup-winning squad, joined Real Madrid in 2010 after a successful spell with Werder Bremen. He spent three seasons in the Spanish capital, winning a La Liga title and establishing himself as one of the league’s premier playmakers. His move to Arsenal in 2013 saw him become a fan favorite, known for his vision, passing range, and technical ability.

Throughout his career, Özil has been lauded for his exceptional ball control, creativity, and passing skills. His ability to unlock defenses and create scoring opportunities made him a valuable asset for both club and country. However, his later years were marked by a decline in form and increasing criticism, ultimately leading to his departure from Arsenal and, subsequently, Fenerbahçe.

The Fenerbahçe situation highlights the risks associated with signing high-profile players on lucrative contracts. While such signings can generate excitement and boost a club’s profile, they can also create long-term financial liabilities, particularly if the player fails to perform or their relationship with the club deteriorates. The club’s current financial situation, and the continued payments to Özil, serve as a cautionary tale for other Turkish clubs considering similar investments.

The ongoing financial commitment to Özil raises questions about Fenerbahçe’s transfer strategy and financial planning. The club will need to carefully manage its resources in the coming transfer windows to avoid further exacerbating its financial challenges. The situation also underscores the importance of negotiating favorable contract termination clauses to mitigate the risk of long-term financial burdens.

While Özil has now retired from professional football, his legacy remains a subject of debate. He will be remembered as a gifted player who entertained fans with his skill and creativity, but also as a symbol of the financial complexities and potential pitfalls of modern football.