Rustu Recber, Umit Ozat Leaving Fenerbahce?

According to various media reports surfacing on Thursday and Friday, Fenerbahce goalkeeper Rustu Recber and DF Umit Ozat will leave the club at the end of the year. According to www.internetspor.com, Rustu is set to join Turkish rivals Trabzonspor, while Umit Ozat will join former Fener manager Christoph Daum at FC Koln in Germany.

Rustu, who just turned 34 two weeks ago, first joined Fener in 1994 after coming over from Antalyaspor. He has been with Fenerbahce for the majority of his career, with a brief stint for Barcelona as well. He has been the national team goalkeeper since 1993, but missed most of the 2006-2007 season with Fener and the Milli Takim due to a knee injury suffered against Italy in the fall. Rustu has been in rehab for the knee for most of the year, and is finally nearing fitness again. The loss of Rustu would leave Fener will the often-criticized Volkan Demirel and third-string-turned-starting goalkeeper Serdar Kulbilge, who took over the starting spot in early 2007. Despite Fenerbahce winning the Turkcell Super Lig title, the goalkeeper spot has been one of great debate and concern since Rustu was injured.

Umit Ozat is reportedly going to sign a 3-year deal with FC Koln. The 30-year-old wingback earned a spot with the national team due to his versatility on the pitch. He has played various positions over the years, and is known to be a tremendous asset in defense and in the midfield. He has also been a crucial part of Fenerbahce's success on set pieces for his crossing ability.

With many contracts ending after the weekend, the club will have its hands full with personnel decisions in the coming weeks.