Fenerbahçe winger Dorgeles Nene has paused his expected winter departure plans following the departure of technical director İsmail Kartal, putting his search for regular playing time on hold to compete for a spot under the club’s upcoming leadership, according to reports from Sözcü.
How the Coaching Change Shifted Dorgeles Nene Transfer Outlook
The 23-year-old Malili international had grown frustrated with his limited opportunities on the pitch during İsmail Kartal’s tenure at Fenerbahçe, prompting preparations for a January exit to secure consistent minutes. However, the subsequent parting of ways between the club and Kartal following the recent derby against Galatasaray altered the winger’s immediate career trajectory, as Sözcü reported. Nene now intends to remain with the side through the winter transfer window to evaluate his prospects under the incoming manager, aiming to convince the new coaching staff of his value.
That altered stance contrasts with reports which noted that Kartal had effectively sidelined the forward and that club management remained open to offers if an appropriate bid arrived for the player. Nene signed with Fenerbahçe at the start of the previous season from Salzburg. During his debut campaign in Istanbul, he featured in 39 matches across all competitions, contributing 11 goals and 10 assists to total 21 direct goal involvements.
Playing Time Drop and Alternative Targets at Fenerbahçe
Under İsmail Kartal this season, Nene’s playing time dropped significantly. The Malili attacker has logged appearances in just 8 of Fenerbahçe’s 17 official fixtures so far, accumulating a mere 158 minutes on the pitch with only 1 assist to his name. This steep decline in utilization fueled speculation regarding a winter exit, with T24 noting that club officials were monitoring potential replacements in the event of his departure.
Among those potential succession options, Fenerbahçe has reportedly tracked Västerås SK winger Axel Taonsa, according to reports originating from Africafoot. The 22-year-old Burkina Faso international has scored 9 goals in 23 league matches during the 2026 Allsvenskan season in Sweden. Capable of operating across both flanks as well as through the center as a second striker or central forward, Taonsa is under contract with his Swedish club through December 31, 2028.
Fenerbahçe Weighs Nene's Value Against Scout Targets
Financial figures surrounding the two forwards highlight the squad management decisions facing the Istanbul club’s board. Fenerbahçe acquired Nene for a reported fee of €18 million from Salzburg, and media outlets estimate his current market value differently following his productive debut season. Conversely, scout targets such as Taonsa represent a different market tier, with specialized data valuations placing the young Burkina Faso attacker at various levels following his transition from Bulgarian side Belasitsa to Swedish football in January 2025.
While reports emphasized that the prior coaching staff had largely written off the Malili winger’s immediate utility despite his significant transfer investment, Nene’s current decision to stay introduces a new variable for sporting directors planning winter acquisitions. The player’s 47 total appearances, 11 goals, and 10 assists across his Fenerbahçe career provide a proven baseline that the incoming managerial staff will inherit.
Next Steps for the Malili Winger
Fenerbahçe management has yet to announce a permanent successor to İsmail Kartal, leaving squad restructuring plans dependent on the incoming head coach’s tactical preferences. Nene remains under contract with the club as the club prepares for its upcoming fixtures, with the player’s immediate future contingent upon initial evaluations by the incoming technical staff once appointments are finalized.
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