All 25 Turkish Players in Premier League History: From Muzzy Izzet to Ferdi Kadıoğlu

Discover all 25 Turkish players in Premier League history, including Muzzy Izzet, Tugay Kerimoğlu, Tuncay Şanlı, Çağlar Söyüncü and Ferdi Kadıoğlu.

England has rarely been the first destination for Turkey’s leading footballers. Many have preferred to remain with Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe or Beşiktaş, while Germany has traditionally provided a more familiar route into Western European football.

As a result, only 25 players representing Turkey at senior international level had appeared in the Premier League by September 2026.

The Turkish players who did reach England experienced very different careers. Muzzy Izzet and Tugay Kerimoğlu became club legends, while major names such as Nuri Şahin and Hakan Şükür left without making a lasting impression.

Statistics updated on 13 September 2026. Appearances and goals refer only to the Premier League.

The Leading Turkish Players in Premier League History

1. Muzzy Izzet

Premier League: 1996–2002 and 2003–2006
Clubs: Leicester City and Birmingham City
Apps: 248 | Goals: 34 | Assists: 27

No Turkish player has made more Premier League appearances or scored more goals in the competition than Muzzy Izzet.

Born in London, Izzet developed at Chelsea but never played for their senior team. His career changed when Leicester City took him on loan during the 1995/96 promotion campaign. He helped the Foxes win the play-offs and subsequently completed a permanent transfer.

Izzet became a key member of Martin O’Neill’s side, forming an effective midfield partnership with Neil Lennon. Leicester finished regularly in the Premier League’s top half and reached three League Cup finals, winning in 1997 and 2000.

His best qualities were his energy, late runs and ability to create chances from midfield. He recorded 14 assists in 2003/04 and finished his Premier League career with 34 goals and 27 assists.

Izzet later joined Birmingham City, although injuries limited his final two seasons. His longevity and influence still make him the benchmark for Turkish players in England.

2. Tugay Kerimoğlu

Premier League: 2001–2009
Club: Blackburn Rovers
Apps: 233 | Goals: 10 | Assists: 14

Tugay Kerimoğlu was already 30 when Graeme Souness brought him from Rangers to Blackburn Rovers in 2001. He had captained Galatasaray, won six Turkish league titles and represented Turkey at major tournaments.

Questions about his age quickly disappeared. Tugay remained at Blackburn for eight seasons, controlling matches through his awareness, first touch and passing range.

He scored only 10 Premier League goals, but several were spectacular shots from outside the penalty area. A Tugay goal was rarely a simple finish.

Blackburn won the League Cup during his first season, although suspension kept him out of the final. He later helped the club finish sixth in 2005/06 and qualify for Europe.

Tugay continued playing Premier League football until the age of 38. When he retired in 2009, Ewood Park gave him an emotional farewell. He may not hold Izzet’s records, but few Turkish players have been loved more deeply by an English club’s supporters.

3. Tuncay Şanlı

Premier League: 2007–2012
Clubs: Middlesbrough, Stoke City and Bolton Wanderers
Apps: 127 | Goals: 20 | Assists: 10

Middlesbrough signed Tuncay Şanlı on a free transfer from Fenerbahçe in 2007. He arrived with three Turkish league titles and a Champions League hat-trick against Manchester United on his record.

Tuncay could play as a striker, supporting forward or winger. He was energetic and unpredictable, often attempting shots and pieces of skill that other players would avoid.

He scored 15 Premier League goals across two seasons with Middlesbrough but could not prevent their relegation in 2009. Stoke City subsequently signed him, although he never became an automatic starter in Tony Pulis’ structured system.

A later loan spell at Bolton Wanderers produced no league goals. Nevertheless, his final total of 127 appearances and 20 goals places him comfortably among Turkey’s most productive Premier League players.

His English career did not match his achievements with Fenerbahçe, but at Middlesbrough he was entertaining, committed and capable of producing something unexpected.

4. Çağlar Söyüncü

Premier League: 2018–2023
Club: Leicester City
Apps: 98 | Goals: 4 | Assists: 1

Çağlar Söyüncü spent most of his first Leicester City season on the bench. His opportunity arrived when Harry Maguire joined Manchester United in 2019.

The Turkish centre-back immediately formed a strong partnership with Jonny Evans. His pace allowed Leicester to defend higher, while his aggressive approach and confidence in possession suited Brendan Rodgers’ tactics.

Söyüncü’s performances during the 2019/20 campaign earned him a place in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year. It remains one of the highest individual honours achieved by a Turkish player in England.

He also helped Leicester win the 2021 FA Cup, playing in the final victory over Chelsea. Days earlier, he had scored the winning goal against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Injuries and inconsistent form affected his later seasons, and he eventually lost his starting position. Even so, Söyüncü’s peak was outstanding. For a period, he was regarded as one of the Premier League’s best central defenders.

5. Ferdi Kadıoğlu

Premier League: 2024–present
Club: Brighton & Hove Albion
Apps: 45 | Goals: 2 | Assists: 0

Born in the Netherlands, Ferdi Kadıoğlu represented the Dutch national team at youth level before choosing Turkey in 2022. His performances during Euro 2024 helped attract interest from clubs across Europe.

Brighton & Hove Albion signed him from Fenerbahçe for a guaranteed fee of around €30 million in August 2024.

Kadıoğlu’s first season was disrupted by injury, but he became a regular starter in 2025/26. His ability to play on either side of the defence, move into midfield and carry the ball through pressure made him valuable to Brighton’s flexible system.

He scored his first Premier League goal at Liverpool in November 2024 and later opened the scoring in a 3–0 victory over Chelsea in April 2026.

Kadıoğlu had reached 45 appearances by September 2026. He remains far behind Izzet and Tugay, but at 26 he has time to climb the rankings if he continues playing regularly in England.

6. Emre Belözoğlu

Premier League: 2005–2008
Club: Newcastle United
Apps: 58 | Goals: 5 | Assists: 8

Newcastle United signed Emre Belözoğlu from Inter Milan for approximately £3.8 million in 2005.

His most memorable performance came in a Tyne–Wear derby that October. Emre created the opening goal from a corner before scoring a curling free kick as Newcastle defeated Sunderland 3–2.

The midfielder possessed an excellent left foot and could open defences with his passing. However, injuries repeatedly interrupted his three seasons at St James’ Park.

He left for Fenerbahçe in 2008 after recording five goals and eight assists in 58 Premier League appearances. Emre’s spell was not a failure, but Newcastle rarely saw his best football for a sustained period.

His talent was obvious. The frustration was that fitness problems and the club’s instability prevented him from becoming the midfield leader they expected.

7. Alpay Özalan

Premier League: 2000–2004
Club: Aston Villa
Apps: 58 | Goals: 1 | Assists: 0

Aston Villa signed Alpay Özalan after Euro 2000. The Turkish centre-back made 33 Premier League appearances during his first season and initially appeared capable of becoming a long-term starter.

His reputation grew after Turkey finished third at the 2002 World Cup, where Alpay was included in the tournament’s All-Star squad.

However, his relationship with Aston Villa supporters deteriorated, and his confrontational personality created further problems.

The decisive moment came while he was playing for Turkey against England in October 2003. Alpay confronted David Beckham after the England captain missed a penalty, with their dispute later contributing to a tunnel confrontation.

The reaction in England made his position at Aston Villa increasingly difficult. His contract was cancelled by mutual consent later that month.

Alpay’s Premier League career is therefore remembered as much for its dramatic ending as for his 58 appearances in Villa’s defence.

8. Cenk Tosun

Premier League: 2018–2022
Clubs: Everton and Crystal Palace
Apps: 55 | Goals: 10 | Assists: 3

Everton paid approximately £27 million to sign Cenk Tosun from Beşiktaş in January 2018.

His start was encouraging. Tosun scored five goals in 14 Premier League appearances during the second half of his first season, including doubles against Stoke City and Brighton & Hove Albion.

He was less effective after that. Everton’s frequent managerial changes brought different tactical demands, and Tosun struggled to establish himself as the regular centre-forward.

A loan to Crystal Palace in 2020 offered another opportunity. He scored against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium but made only five league appearances before injury ended the spell.

Tosun left Everton in 2022 with 10 Premier League goals. That return was disappointing considering his transfer fee, but it still places him joint-third among Turkish goalscorers in the competition.

Famous Turkish Players Who Made Little Impact in England

Nuri Şahin – Liverpool

Liverpool borrowed Nuri Şahin from Real Madrid in 2012 after beating Arsenal to his signature. The former Bundesliga Player of the Season was frequently deployed further forward than his preferred role and made only seven Premier League appearances. His loan ended in January 2013.

Hakan Şükür – Blackburn Rovers

Turkey’s record goalscorer joined Blackburn in 2002, but a broken leg delayed his debut. Hakan Şükür played only nine Premier League matches, although he did score twice in a 4–0 victory over Fulham before returning to Galatasaray.

Ozan Kabak – Liverpool and Norwich City

Ozan Kabak joined Liverpool during their 2021 defensive injury crisis and made nine league appearances. Liverpool declined to sign him permanently, while a second loan at Norwich was affected by injuries and the club’s relegation battle.

Cengiz Ünder – Leicester City

Leicester borrowed Cengiz Ünder from Roma in 2020. The winger showed flashes of technical quality but could not secure a regular place. He returned to Roma after nine Premier League appearances without a goal.

Other Turkish Players in Premier League History

The following 13 players complete the list. Enes Ünal came closest to inclusion among the featured names, making more than 50 league appearances for Bournemouth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was the first Turkish player in the Premier League?

Muzzy Izzet was the earliest player on this list to appear in the competition, making his Premier League debut for Leicester City in 1996. He was born in England but later represented Turkey at senior international level.

Which Turkish player has the most Premier League appearances?

Muzzy Izzet leads with 248 appearances. Tugay Kerimoğlu is second with 233, while Tuncay Şanlı is the only other Turkish player to have passed 100.

Who is the leading Turkish goalscorer in Premier League history?

Muzzy Izzet leads with 34 Premier League goals. Tuncay Şanlı scored 20, while Tugay Kerimoğlu and Cenk Tosun both finished with 10.

Are there any Turkish players in the Premier League now?

Yes. As of September 2026, Ferdi Kadıoğlu of Brighton & Hove Albion is the only senior Turkey international currently playing in the Premier League. He joined Brighton from Fenerbahçe in August 2024 and remains part of their squad for the 2026/27 season.

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