Former Köln defender joins Trabzonspor despite Schalke’s interest

BulinewsSat, Jul 18, 2026·1 min read

Turkiye defender Cenk Özkacar completed his move to Trabzonspor from Valencia for a reported €1.75 million transfer fee. The 25-year-old spent last season on loan at Köln, where he has featured in 25 Bundesliga games.

However, the Bundesliga side declined their option of signing the center-back for only €2 million. Bundesliga’s newly-promoted outfit Schalke were interested in him, but the player opted to return to his home country.

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The nine-time Turkish international has never played in Süper Lig before now as he left second-tier club Altay SK for Lyon at the age of 20. He initially had success at Valencia, but he spent the last two seasons away on loan deals before leaving the club permanently.

Schalke are also linked with several center-backs this summer, including Brighton’s Igor Julio and ex-Augsburg defender Felix Uduokhai.