Mesut Ozil’s NIGHTMARE start to life at Fenerbahce since his ‘dream’ arrival from Arsenal in January

Mesut Ozil’s NIGHTMARE start to life at Fenerbahce: Since his ‘dream’ arrival, side have fallen from top to third, lost three of his five matches, been knocked out of the Turkish Cup… and ex-Arsenal man hasn’t managed a SINGLE goal or assist

  • Mesut Ozil sealed a ‘dream’ move to Fenerbahce in last month’s transfer window
  • The 32-year-old German had his contract at Arsenal cancelled in January 
  • He made his Fenerbahce debut as a substitute against Hatayspor on February 2
  • But since then the Turkish’s sides form has dropped off to devastating effect 

Mesut Ozil described his move to Fenerbahce as a ‘dream’ after joining the Turkish side last month, but their form has resembled only a nightmare since his arrival.

The 32-year-old had his contract cancelled by Arsenal during the January transfer window – allowing him to move on a free transfer to Fenerbahce – after being omitted by Mikel Arteta in his squads for the first half of the season.

The former Germany international could not have hoped to join a side more in form, with the Turkish outfit having won all but one of their nine games across all competitions since December 23 before he joined.

But he has yet to score or assist for his new club

Mesut Ozil’s ‘dream’ move to Fenerbahce has had a nightmare start since leaving Arsenal

The 32-year-old joined last month for free but since his debut their form has deteriorated

The 32-year-old joined last month for free but since his debut their form has deteriorated

They were therefore sitting top of the Super Lig and chasing their first title since 2014, but since making his debut in a 2-1 win at Hatayspor, the club and Ozil’s fortunes have gone exponentially downhill.  

Since making his first Fenerbahce appearance as a substitute on February 2, Ozil has been on the losing side in three of his first five outings, and the club’s slump in form has seen them surrender top spot and fall to third place. 

Their hopes of domestic cup success have also been dashed after their home quarter-final exit at the hands of Turkish top-flight strugglers Istanbul Basaksehir, with a 2-1 defeat occurring after extra time.

He made his debut for the Turkish outfit on February 2 as a substitute against Hatayspor

He made his debut for the Turkish outfit on February 2 as a substitute against Hatayspor

Ozil has only tasted victory on one other occasion since his Fenerbahce debut, with  a 2-1 win on his first start a fortnight ago against Fatih Karagumruk, the first time he has been named in a starting XI in a professional match since March 2020.

Most surprisingly of all however, the former Arsenal and Real Madrid is yet to score or assist for his new club.

His other appearances for the side have seen him feature in a 1-0 home reverse to fierce rivals Galatasaray, while also being beaten by the same scoreline by mid-table outfit Goztepe.

But he has lost three of his five matches since, including a defeat by fierce rivals Galatasaray

But he has lost three of his five matches since, including a defeat by fierce rivals Galatasaray

Fenerbahce have also been knocked out of the Turkish Cup by struggling Istanbul Basaksehir

Fenerbahce have also been knocked out of the Turkish Cup by struggling Istanbul Basaksehir

His performances have led to underwhelming ratings from WhoScored – with the highest score he has been posted is 6.60 – but their is no sense of panic yet from the likes of former Fenerbahce and Turkey striker Ridvan Dilmen, who believes the 2014 World Cup winner will improve next season.

‘I did not expect Mesut Ozil to do so much. It is not easy,’ Dilmen said after the win against Karagumruk.

‘You play football for the first time after 10 months. A team was not built around Mesut, Mesut came to this team.

‘I think the next season will be much better because his contract will be three-and-a-half years. Despite this, I respect his devotion.’

The 32-year-old former Germany international has yet to score or assist for his new side too

The 32-year-old former Germany international has yet to score or assist for his new side too