Efe Korkut Embarks on New Football Journey with Athletic Club

Efe Korkut, the son of former Stuttgart head coach Tayfun Korkut, is set to embark on an exciting footballing journey with Athletic Club in the Basque Country. At just 19 years old, Efe is eligible to play professionally for Bilbao, having been born in San Sebastian. Stuttgart did not impede his transfer and accepted a modest fee of €500,000, as reported by Kicker, facilitating his move to Athletic Club’s B squad.

Efe, who has also represented Turkey at the international level, began the 3. Liga season as a key starter under head coach Nico Willig. He often played alongside fellow VfB prospect Mirza Catovic, a player Stuttgart has made considerable efforts to retain.

However, Efe’s development diverged from Catovic’s positive trajectory. After starting in nine of the team’s initial 3. Liga matches, he has not taken to the field as a starter since November 1st.

VfB academy director Stephan Hildebrandt remarked on Efe’s potential, stating, “He was one of those talents who was particularly creative and had a strong understanding of the game. Efe has now chosen to leave VfB to pursue a new challenge at an ambitious club in his mother’s homeland.”

Reflecting on his time at VfB, Efe Korkut expressed, “I look back fondly on my three-and-a-half years at VfB and the experiences I gained there. My appearances in the third division have contributed significantly to my development, both athletically and personally.”

He concluded, “I would like to extend my gratitude to everyone who believed in me and made this transition possible. I now face a new, significant challenge, which I approach with confidence.”