Elias Jelert sold to Galatasaray
F.C. Copenhagen have sold Elias Jelert to Galatasaray.
The Turkish champions from Istanbul have long had their eye on our right back, and now the parties have reached an agreement.
A true Copenhagen boy is now heading to Istanbul. 21-year-old Elias Jelert has played for F.C. Copenhagen since he was 11 years old.
He has made 97 first-team appearances, won two championships, and a cup title. Additionally, Elias Jelert played a significant role in FCK's Champions League campaigns for two consecutive years.
From FCK Talent to First-Team Profile
Elias Jelert has been on an impressive development journey in his 10 years at F.C. Copenhagen, nurtured by the expert guidance of FCK Talent.
"We have known Elias since he joined as a boy, and from day one, his passion for football was evident," says sporting director Sune Smith-Nielsen.
"But he is also a player who has fought for his place through the youth ranks, and that has strengthened him.
"Combined with the right framework in our talent department, we have collectively succeeded in creating the right platform for Elias.
He is a strong example of the fundamental philosophy of F.C. Copenhagen: creating space and opportunity for development,” says Sune Smith-Nielsen and continues.
“Elias has received a solid foundation from our Talent Department, but he also has a special attitude that has made him a profile in the first team.
"He has won championships and cups, played in the Champions League, and even made his debut for the Danish national team. Now the time has come to take the next step in his career. It’s completely natural.”
“Elias has always been a player who seized his opportunities, and we are very proud to safely send another one of our young players onwards. We look forward to following Elias in the future, and we wish him all the best in Turkey,” says Sune Smith-Nielsen.
Jelert: Thanks for many good years
Elias Jelert joined FCK Talent from Virum-Sorgenfri Boldklub nearly 10 years ago, and the many years at F.C. Copenhagen make the move quite emotional for the young back.
“I am very proud that this opportunity has arisen," he says.
"I made a plan with the club years ago, and it’s holding. I am very happy about that, and I owe a big thanks to many people in the club.
"Many have helped me along the way to become a better player and also supported me in staying focused when things were hectic off the field.
“It’s also important for me to send a big thank you to the fans, who have always supported me. The fans' support means a lot when you come up to the first team as a young player. It’s not easy to leave F.C. Copenhagen, but we will definitely see each other soon in the stands,” says Elias Jelert.
Elias will be missed
Elias Jelert made his debut for F.C. Copenhagen in the fall of 2021, and since then, it has been a rapid rise for the lightning-fast back, who has had plenty of playing time in the FCK jersey.
“Elias will be missed in Copenhagen," says head coach Jacob Neestrup.
"His always cheerful nature, his audacity on the training field, and his eternal optimism in interpreting the back position have been impressive over time. He has had great performances internationally, and he has generally contributed significantly to two Danish championships, a double, and our European campaigns.
“The time is right for Elias. New challenges in a different culture. We can only thank Elias for the many good experiences we have had together and wish him all the best with the next step in his career," says Neestrup.