The end of Novak at Fenerbahce? Czech defender a victim of the rules on foreigners

The national defender played two seasons for one of the most successful Turkish clubs, before that he spent two and a half seasons at rival Trabzonspor. His time at Fenerbahce should be coming to an end according to Turkish media, but he is likely to extend his more than four-year Turkish mission.

It can’t be said that it was a successful engagement on Filip Novak’s part. During his time in Istanbul, he dropped out of the Czech national team’s shortlist, started 38 Süper Lig games, not a few of which came off the bench, and hasn’t even earned a league start in the new season.

He has only played for the Turkish vice-champions in the pre-season and again exclusively as a substitute. It was clear that he does not figure in the plans of coach Jorge Jesus. He switched to a three-stopper system and Novak’s position at left-back was moved to the offensive.

The position of left wing-back is now occupied by Ezgjan Alioski, who has started in the Premier League, and it is questionable whether Novák would even be able to play in this position. Coach Jesus seems to be clear and the Prerov football alumnus would benefit from leaving.

Moreover, Fenerbahce needs to limit the number of foreigners in the squad after the arrival of not only Michy Batshuayi, due to the rules of the Turkish Football Federation (TFF), because of the high salary and the probable non-use of the Czech player, he pulled the black Peter.

Leaving yes, but what about the money?

The stumbling block is money. For example, Fatih Karagümrük is interested in the national defender. The team from the middle of the table of the Turkish top flight is currently coached by the star Andrea Pirlo, but Novak’s salary was out of his reach for the time being.

According to Turkish journalist Ömer Celikbashli, Filip Novak is demanding Fenerbahce to pay him the money he would lose by terminating his contract early, then he would leave for free. It is possible that he could accept the lower salary offered to him by Pirlo’s Karagümrük after Istanbul has paid off its debts.

Fenerebahce, holder of a record 28 Turkish league titles, won its last one eight years ago. He wants to simplify his path back to the top by buying big names to satisfy his success-hungry fans as soon as possible.

In the summer, the aforementioned Batshuayi and Alisoki arrived, then the management brought Joshua King from Watford, while Joao Pedro transferred to Istanbul from Cagliari. So other foreigners had to leave, after Luiz Gustavo and Mesut Özil, Novak is probably next.

The Czech defender scored four goals and three assists in 51 games during his time at Fenerbahce.

Source: Deniz Evren, Yeni Safak