Galatasaray's Domestic Centre-Back Search: Kaplan or Akçiçek?

Galatasaray Planning Defensive Rotation

Galatasaray are finalizing their backline rotation plans ahead of the new season. While looking to keep Davinson Sanchez despite offers from several clubs, most notably Como, the club has begun searching for a domestic, left-footed alternative to 32-year-old Abdülkerim Bardakcı.

Two names top the list: Ajax's Ahmetcan Kaplan and Al-Hilal's Yusuf Akçiçek. Yusuf, born in 2006 and a product of Fenerbahçe's youth academy, moved to Al-Hilal for €22 million at the start of last season. Having struggled for playing time in Saudi Arabia, a loan move is being considered for the national team defender. The other candidate, Ahmetcan Kaplan, spent last season on loan at NEC Nijmegen and is now returning to Ajax; his financial terms are reportedly being explored.

Mario Lemina, who has extended his contract for two more years, is also expected to feature in the centre-back rotation next season.

Comparing the Numbers: Kaplan More Experienced, Akçiçek Young and Limited

According to StatsLook data, the two players' profiles differ significantly. Ahmetcan Kaplan made 25 appearances for NEC Nijmegen in the 2025/2026 Eredivisie season, playing 2,047 minutes (92% starts) — a regular starter's profile. His average rating of 6.88 placed him in the top 22% at his position.

Yusuf Akçiçek, on the other hand, played a much more limited role at Al-Hilal: 12 appearances and just 616 minutes (58% starts). His average rating of 5.57 placed him in the top 94% at his position — reflecting how limited playing time in Saudi Arabia has affected his output.

Kaplan's Standout Traits

Ahmetcan Kaplan ranks 1st among Eredivisie centre-backs in ball recoveries (5.32 per 90). He also ranks 2nd in duels won (8.09 per 90), pointing to a physically dominant, duel-heavy profile. He also sits in the top tier for aerials won (3.30 per 90, top 8% of the league).

Akçiçek's Standout Traits

Despite limited minutes, Yusuf Akçiçek posted some notable numbers: he ranks 6th in the league in tackles (2.19 per 90) and 7th in accurate passes (51.57 per 90). However, he ranks lower in physical categories like duels won (60th) and ball recoveries (56th) — suggesting a player still developing physically.

Assessment for Galatasaray

The numbers suggest the two players could address different needs: Kaplan offers a more "ready-made" option with regular playing time and physical duels, while Akçiçek, despite his youth, shows promising signals in some technical categories but still needs regular game time and physical development.

This article is based on reporting published by Sabah. Statistics sourced from the StatsLook database.