Midfielder Benjamin Bouchouari is returning to Trabzonspor after failing to secure a transfer away from the club. According to a report from 61saat.com, the 24-year-old French-born player was left out of the squad for the Amedspor match and given permission to hold talks with other clubs. However, despite interest from France, no concrete agreement was reached, forcing his return to the Bordo-Mavili camp. This development requires Trabzonspor to reassess their midfield options ahead of the new season.
Bouchouari made 30 appearances across all competitions for Trabzonspor last season without registering a goal or an assist. Data from the club's squad page shows his contract runs until the summer of 2027. This situation may lead manager Abdullah Avcı to evaluate new options for his midfield rotation as the team prepares for a busy schedule.
How did Bouchouari perform for Trabzonspor?
Benjamin Bouchouari joined Trabzonspor in the 2024 summer transfer window. In his first season, he was primarily used as a substitute, totaling 30 appearances. His lack of direct goal contributions led the technical staff to explore ways to utilize him more effectively. His playing style and physical attributes have provided depth to the team's midfield department.
Looking at the team's stats from last season, Bouchouari was often deployed in more defensively-minded midfield roles. This could be a factor in his lower offensive output. Manager Abdullah Avcı may now look to test the player in different positions to better assess his fit and potential within the squad's tactical setup following his unexpected return.
Why did the transfer talks fail?
As reported by 61saat.com reporter Çağrı Aktaş, Bouchouari had suitors from France. Yet, the discussions did not culminate in a concrete transfer agreement. This could be due to financial expectations, the offers from clubs, or uncertainties in the player's career plans. With the transfer window closing soon, the lack of a deal left Bouchouari with no choice but to return to Trabzonspor's pre-season preparations.
The Trabzonspor management now has the opportunity to reshape their midfield group with the player back in contention. The current squad features names like Enis Bardhi, Berat Özdemir, and Umut Güneş in the middle of the park. Bouchouari's return increases competition in that area and provides the coaching staff with more alternatives. The team, aiming for a high finish in the Süper Lig standings, values depth in every position.
What are the team's next steps?
Bouchouari's return to the squad represents a minor revision in Trabzonspor's transfer strategy. The technical team will work to quickly improve the player's fitness and reintegrate him into team training. With the season start imminent, his motivation and adaptation are of critical importance.
Trabzonspor will play Süper Lig and Turkish Cup matches in the coming weeks. The busy fixture list, visible on the club's fixtures page, requires all players to be ready. Bouchouari aims to be in the squad for the team's first official league match, hoping to contribute during the remainder of his contract, which runs until 2027.
