Deniz Gul shines at FC Porto and attracts clubs before the World Cup.

With the World Cup on the horizon, FC Porto forward Deniz Gul is emerging as one of the team’s most promising figures, attracting the keen interest of European clubs that had already been monitoring him. The 2024/25 season began with the Turkish player taking on a secondary role, but the serious injury to Spaniard Samu in February completely changed the offensive landscape for the Dragons, creating an opportunity for Gul to establish himself definitively.

Last summer, historic Turkish clubs like Besiktas and Galatasaray made concrete offers to secure the striker’s services, promising him playing time that seemed scarce at the time with FC Porto due to Samu’s strong influence on the attack. However, the Porto sports management maintained a firm stance, rejecting loans or sales that could upset the team’s offensive balance.

The arrival of Terem Moffi in the winter transfer market appeared to pose a new challenge for Deniz Gul, but the Turkish player responded with a display of personality, surpassing the competition and earning the trust of coach Francesco Farioli. For the first time since his arrival, Gul completed two consecutive full matches: against Alverca, in a game that confirmed the national title for FC Porto with two rounds to spare, and against Aves SAD, where he scored the team’s only goal despite the defeat.

These 90 complete minutes reveal a player in clear evolution, more mature and adapted to the demands of Portuguese football, participative and with a direct impact on the collective game. His progress coincides with a decisive moment for FC Porto, which is preparing adjustments in attack to respond to the challenges of the Champions League and to defend their national championship title.

Deniz Gul, signed from Hammarby for €4.5 million in August 2024 – with the potential for an additional €500,000 based on performance objectives – has signed a contract until 2029, protected by a release clause of €50 million. The forward, who was still a Sweden U21 international at the time of the transfer, can now take on a prominent role in the offensive rotation until Samu’s return, or become a valuable asset in the market if he maintains his upward trajectory and shines in the upcoming international competitions, including the World Cup.

FC Porto finds itself in a golden scenario: a young talent emerging strongly, who could be decisive on the field and attract million-euro offers in the near future. Deniz Gul is undoubtedly writing a new and bold chapter in his career and in the attack of the dragons, with the ambition to reach the top of world football.

This article first appeared on [Apito Final](https://apitofinal.pt/).