Turkish journalist Burhan Can Terzi detained over Musiala transfer claims

Turkish sports journalist Burhan Can Terzi was detained by Istanbul police on August 10, 2026, as part of an investigation launched after his reports that Galatasaray had reached an agreement to sign Jamal Musiala from Bayern Munich, officials said.

The detention followed an order from the Bakırköy Public Prosecutor's Office, which placed Terzi under suspicion for "publicly spreading false information." After initial medical checks he was taken for questioning by police in Istanbul.

Probe after a high-profile transfer claim

Terzi had published claims in late July that Galatasaray had struck a deal to bring Musiala to Istanbul and that the Germany international would join the club soon. The club issued a firm rebuttal on July 31, 2026, saying the reports were not accurate and that false information continued to circulate even after the denial.

After the club's denial, Terzi told his audience that multiple sources had provided him with the information and apologised to supporters for the expectations his coverage created, while maintaining he did not fabricate the story. Media coverage recorded him saying he had even "guaranteed it with his head" during one broadcast.

Terzi also publicly asked Oktay Erçan, the owner of Belgian club Westerlo, whether he had told the journalist that he had "finished with Musiala" and that the player would arrive at Galatasaray the following week. The investigation focuses on whether Terzi's reporting crossed legal lines under Turkey's regulations on false public communications.

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