Ilkan Karaman’s deal with Fenerbahce could have consequences

Turkish talent Ilkan Karaman has signed with Fenerbahce. At first glance, this seems like a regular transactions, but it may not be.

The New Jersey Nets’ 57th draft pick has his roots with Tofas Bursa, but in 2010 he signed a five-year deal with Galatasaray. For the 2010/2011 season Ilkan Karaman was leased back to Tofas and for the 2011/2012 season to Karsiyaka.

The rule in Turkey is that all players who transfer from one Turkish club to another are considered restricted free agents, even if their contract has expired. The clubs usually have to agree on a transfer sum to seal the deal. Provided, however, that standard Federation contracts are used.

In this case, Galatasaray never got the Federation involved but dealt directly with Karaman, Tofas, and Karsiyaka. That means that as far as the Federation is concerned, Karaman is a free agent who is free to sign with whoever he wants, and so it happened when he chose Fenerbahce.

Galatasaray could not prevent this transaction, nor receive a transfer fee from Fenerbahce, while in fact, they have Ilkan Karaman under contract. Don’t be surprised if this becomes a legal battle.