Fenerbahce have confirmed on their official Twitter account the arrival of Derby County target Serdar Dursun on a free transfer following his exit from Darmstadt.
The Turkish striker was heavily linked with a move to Derby last summer.
Then Rams boss Phillip Cocu wanted the 29-year-old as a replacement for Chris Martin.
Bild claimed the Rams offered £900,000 to sign him ahead of the 2020-21 campaign. Darmstadt, however, rejected the offer with Derby unwilling to go higher.
The Athletic later reported that Derby didn’t think they needed to rush a deal for Dursun and could wait until January to sign him on the cheap with his contact expiring.
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It was a poor decision by Derby which ultimately back-fired on the club.
The Rams were the lowest scorers in the Championship last season, while Dursun’s excellent goal scoring campaign has seen Fenerbahce move for his signature.
Serdar Dursun creates history at Darmstadt:
The decision not to sign Dursun arguably cost Phillip Cocu his job at Derby.
While the Rams desperately struggled for goals, Dursun created history by becoming the highest scoring Turkish player in a foreign league over the past season.
Dursun netted 27 goals for Damstadt, topping the Bundesliga II charts. Moreover, he finished the campaign with an incredible 15 goals in his last ten appearances.
Fenerbahce are one of Turkey’s biggest clubs. The Yellow Canaries will be able to offer Dursun European football plus the chance to shine in his native country.
Derby, meanwhile, must look at strengthening their striker options this summer. Martyn Waghorn is out of contract, while Colin Kazim-Richards turns 35 in August.
Also see: Report: Derby youngster rejects contract offer, will leave club amid desire for first-team football
Also see: Report: Derby likely to sign ‘excellent’ player on loan after preserving Championship status