AS Monaco Basket has made significant roster changes as the new season progresses, most noticeably with the mutual departure of Turkish basketball player Furkan Korkmaz. The club announced on its official social media account on Thursday, confirming his exit due to persistent injuries.
“AS Monaco Basket and Furkan Korkmaz have mutually agreed to part ways. The Turkish international guard has unfortunately been unable to showcase his full potential due to injuries. The entire Roca Team family extends its gratitude to Furkan Korkmaz for his professionalism,” the club stated.
Korkmaz, who joined Monaco after spending seven years with the Philadelphia 76ers, encountered numerous physical setbacks, limiting him to only three appearances this season within the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. He averaged 4.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game, hardly the contributions anticipated from the sharpshooter. Consequently, the deregistration prior to the EuroLeague deadline allows Korkmaz to explore opportunities with other teams as he recovers from his injuries.
Meanwhile, AS Monaco's young talent Eliesse Ben Seghir is attracting attention from Paris Saint-Germain. The 20-year-old forward has become one of Monaco's standout players this season, recording 7 goals and 4 assists across 23 matches. Reports indicate discussions are underway between the two clubs for his potential transfer amid PSG’s interest.
Negotiations may also involve Maghnes Akliouche, another promising talent who recently extended his contract with Monaco until 2028, having rebuffed interest from major clubs like Manchester City and PSG. “It is his decision and ours, the priority is to stay. We are in good conversations with him and his agent about a contract extension,” Monaco’s CEO Thiago Scuro expressed earlier this year.
Despite his successful negotiations, there are whispers of interest from AC Milan, as the January transfer window approaches, aiming to secure Akliouche's services. Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Monaco’s stance remains resolute: Akliouche is not for sale this winter, though future offers could be on the table come summer.
These roster movements highlight AS Monaco's strategic approach within European football, balancing player retention with the need to develop talent for potential sale. With Korkmaz's exit and the intense speculation surrounding Ben Seghir and Akliouche, the club is at a crossroads where its decisions could shape the future of the squad.
AS Monaco currently sits tied for second place in the EuroLeague standings, reflecting its commitment to maintaining competitive performance this season amid these player transitions. Looking forward, the club's management faces the challenge of integrating new players efficiently, especially with the potential influx of talent and ensuring they are fit for the rigors of professional basketball.
With the season entering its latter half, the upcoming weeks could prove pivotal for AS Monaco, as boardroom and training ground discussions heat up. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the departure of Korkmaz affects team dynamics and how the interest from PSG may influence Ben Seghir's future. Regardless, AS Monaco is poised to navigate through these changes with the hopes of sustaining their upward momentum within both national and continental competitions.
