Author: Daily Sabah With Agencies

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan rejected U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s claim of a so-called Turkish “takeover” in Syria, as he said it would disrespect the will of the Syrian people. “We wouldn’t call it a takeover, because it would be a grave mistake to present what’s been happening in Syria” in those terms, Fidan told broadcaster Al Jazeera in an interview. “For Syrian people, it is not a takeover. I think if there is any takeover, it’s the will of the Syrian people which is taking over now.” Fidan’s comments came in response to Trump’s recent statement, in which he said…

Erling Haaland, one of Europe’s top goal-scorers, is reportedly on Barcelona’s radar in a shocking transfer development. The Norwegian striker, currently playing for Manchester City in the Premier League, has sparked rumors of a potential move to the Spanish giants. The 23-year-old, who had previously been linked with Real Madrid, now finds himself at the center of Barcelona’s transfer ambitions. According to Spain’s El Chiringuito, the club has long coveted the prolific forward, with rumors suggesting that Barcelona has begun actively pursuing a deal. In a stunning twist, reports indicate that Manchester City may be willing to part with Haaland…

Erling Haaland, one of Europe’s top goal-scorers, is reportedly on Barcelona’s radar in a shocking transfer development. The Norwegian striker, currently playing for Manchester City in the Premier League, has sparked rumors of a potential move to the Spanish giants. The 23-year-old, who had previously been linked with Real Madrid, now finds himself at the center of Barcelona’s transfer ambitions. According to Spain’s El Chiringuito, the club has long coveted the prolific forward, with rumors suggesting that Barcelona has begun actively pursuing a deal. In a stunning twist, reports indicate that Manchester City may be willing to part with Haaland…

Real Madrid’s Turkish sensation Arda Güler has been at the center of transfer speculation once again, with fresh reports linking him to a surprising move. The Turkish international, who has struggled for consistent playing time this season, is reportedly the subject of interest from Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, according to Spanish media. However, despite Dortmund’s desire to secure Güler on loan until the end of the season, both Real Madrid and the player have reportedly rejected the offer. Ahead of Wednesday’s FIFA Club World Cup match against Mexico’s Pachuca, where Güler is expected to start, the latest transfer rumors have…

Olympic champion Taha Akgül has been elected president of the Turkish Wrestling Federation, ushering in a new chapter for Turkish wrestling. The federation’s 6th ordinary and financial general assembly was held at Anadolu Hotels Esenboğa Thermal on Wednesday, where Akgül triumphed over rival Selçuk Çebi with 189 votes out of 288 cast. Çebi garnered 92 votes, while seven ballots were invalid. Despite the outcome, Çebi graciously congratulated Akgül during the vote count. The meeting, chaired by Abdullah Albunar, also approved activity and audit reports before the leadership vote. Outgoing President Şeref Eroğlu, who did not seek reelection, described the day…

Türkiye is concerned about Israel’s occupation of the Golan Heights. Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz on Tuesday criticized Israel’s actions in Syria. He called Israel’s expansionist policies beyond the Golan Heights “extremely dangerous” and detrimental to Syria’s stability. Speaking during parliamentary discussions on the 2025 budget for the Presidency and related institutions, Yılmaz underscored Türkiye’s commitment to fostering stability in Syria and criticized external interference. “No country, especially Israel, has the right to do this to people who have suffered this much, who have resisted with dignity, who are trying to build their country. Their (Israel’s) actions are illegitimate,” he said.…

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani discussed bilateral relations and regional and global developments in Türkiye’s capital Ankara on Tuesday, the Presidential Communications Directorate said. “President Erdoğan stated that Türkiye stands by the Syrian people and government to protect Syria’s territorial integrity, unity, and unitary structure and that the international community should cooperate in the country’s reconstruction process,” the directorate said in a statement. The president also said Ankara is waging a fight against all terrorist organizations to protect its national security. Erdoğan welcomed the Qatari emir with an official ceremony at the…

Turkish Süper Lig giants Galatasaray have set their sights on Argentine star Paulo Dybala as Mauro Icardi’s injury leaves a void in their attacking lineup. The reigning champions wasted no time initiating talks for the 31-year-old forward, who has an illustrious resume with stints at Instituto, Palermo, Juventus and Roma. With Icardi sidelined, the club sees Dybala as the perfect fit to bolster their squad. According to Sports Digitale, Dybala’s agent, Carlos Novel, traveled to Istanbul ahead of Galatasaray’s derby clash with Trabzonspor to discuss terms. The agent not only held meetings with the club but also attended the high-stakes…

Cristiano Ronaldo, already one of the world’s highest-earning athletes, has made headlines once again – this time for his lavish new ride in the sky. The Portuguese superstar, currently playing for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr, shelled out a staggering $73 million for a state-of-the-art private jet. The purchase further cements Ronaldo’s penchant for luxury and his status as a global icon. Ronaldo upgraded from his previous Gulfstream G200, which he recently listed for sale at $21 million, to this cutting-edge carbon-fiber jet. Designed for both speed and comfort, the aircraft boasts a sprawling 19-seat living space and can reach an impressive…

Chelsea’s Ukrainian midfielder Mykhaylo Mudryk has tested positive for a banned substance. The 23-year-old star, acquired for a hefty 100 million pound ($127 million) transfer fee, including bonuses, now faces a potential four-year suspension. Both Chelsea and Mudryk confirmed the reports, with the young star expressing disbelief over the results. “I can confirm I have been informed that the sample I provided contained a banned substance,” Mudryk said in a statement. “I never took anything intentionally” “This news came as a complete shock to me,” he continued. “I have never intentionally used any prohibited substance or violated any rules. My…