€15 million for Shomurodov: Trabzonspor’s plan revealed

Eldor Shomurodov has become one of the most intriguing names on the transfer market after an outstanding season in the Turkish Süper Lig. "Trabzonspor" are exploring the possibility of signing the Uzbekistan national team striker, but there is still no final agreement between the clubs.

According to the Turkish media, the Trabzon-based club has requested the terms of the player’s transfer. İstanbul Başakşehir are demanding around €15 million for the Süper Lig’s top scorer.

22 goals behind the growing interest

Shomurodov made 34 appearances in the 2025/26 Turkish league season, scoring 22 goals and providing five assists.

He matched the record of Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu and shared the Süper Lig Golden Boot. Eldor was therefore one of the league’s two joint top scorers.

His goalscoring form prompted Başakşehir to activate the mandatory purchase clause. In July, the Istanbul club officially confirmed the acquisition of Shomurodov’s registration rights from Roma and the signing of a two-year contract. The Turkish Football Federation database lists his current agreement as running until 30 June 2028.

Is a player-plus-cash offer involving Mendy being prepared?

Some sources say Trabzonspor could include Batista Mendy in the deal and offer an additional €5–7 million. However, this package has not been officially confirmed by either club.

Nevertheless, such an option would not be illogical. Mendy, who spent last season on loan at Sevilla, has returned to Trabzonspor but is reportedly among the players not included in the plans for the new season. The Trabzon club wants to transfer him and free up a place for a foreign player.

Various reports have valued Mendy at around €3–5 million. As a result, an offer consisting of the player plus additional funds could come close to Başakşehir’s asking price overall. Until negotiations begin, however, this remains just one possible transfer formula.

Why are Başakşehir not in a hurry?

The Istanbul club initially signed Shomurodov on loan from Roma in the summer of 2025 and later activated the purchase option. According to Turkish sources, €2.8 million will be paid to the Italians for the player’s registration rights.

Valuing a striker who scored 22 goals in one season at €15 million soon afterwards would give Başakşehir an opportunity to make a significant financial profit. At the same time, the club would lose its main source of goals and have to find a suitable replacement.

For this reason, the Istanbul side may prefer receiving a substantial fee directly for Shomurodov rather than agreeing to a complicated deal involving another player. The upper end of the €15–20 million asking price reported in the media has not yet been confirmed by reliable sources.

Where could Trabzonspor use Eldor?

Paul Onuachu remains the main figure in Trabzonspor’s attack. The Nigerian forward also scored 22 goals last season and won the top-scorer race jointly with Shomurodov.

Shomurodov is not only a centre-forward; he can also play as a second striker and in positions closer to the wings. This would allow him to play alongside Onuachu or serve as an alternative to the Nigerian.

The Turkish media have also reported that Trabzonspor view Eldor as one of the leading candidates to replace Onuachu if the Nigerian leaves.

He also scored a historic goal at the World Cup

In the summer, Shomurodov represented Uzbekistan at its first-ever World Cup. He opened the scoring in the 10th minute against the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but the national team conceded three goals in the second half and lost 3–1.

His goal was recognised as one of the finest strikes of the tournament’s group stage. The increased interest in the 31-year-old forward after the World Cup is also linked to his performances on the international stage, alongside his club form.

The main obstacle to the transfer is the price

The current picture suggests that Trabzonspor’s interest is genuine, while Başakşehir’s stance appears firm. Shomurodov has a two-year contract, and there is no pressure forcing the club to sell him.

The outcome of the negotiations will depend on three factors: whether Trabzonspor increase the cash component, whether Başakşehir agree to a deal involving Batista Mendy, and whether Eldor himself wants to move to the new club.

Shomurodov’s 22 goals last season turned him from an ordinary transfer target into a valuable asset. Trabzonspor will now need to do more than express interest—they will have to make an offer matching the top scorer’s value. Leave your opinion in the comments and share the article with fellow sports fans on Telegram or other social networks!