Shane Larkin’s Future in Istanbul Sparks a Transfer Battle Between Rival Clubs

Shane Larkin, now 33, is at the center of a heated transfer dispute after eight seasons with Anadolu Efes in Istanbul. The guard, a two-time EuroLeague champion with the Turkish club, has reportedly grown closer to leaving despite being under a contract worth about $3.8 million per season. His relationship with the club has reportedly cooled after an injury-hit campaign in which he played only 25 games across all competitions.

According to reports from Serbia, Red Star Belgrade and its sporting director Miroslav Teodosic have been in talks with Larkin’s representatives, and the sides have allegedly reached an understanding on a salary arrangement that could help open the door to a move to Belgrade. But the deal is complicated because, while Larkin is said to prefer playing in Turkey next season, another Turkish giant, Fenerbahce, also wants him. Serbian reports say Anadolu is unwilling to let him join its biggest rival and has told him, in effect, to leave, but not there.

Turkish reports say Larkin has already given a verbal agreement to Fenerbahce. Coach Saras and the Istanbul club are now trying to persuade Anadolu to approve the move, and one reported offer includes transferring domestic rights in Turkey for Omer Yurtseven, who previously played for Fenerbahce.

Larkin began his EuroLeague career with Baskonia in 2016/17, returned briefly to the NBA with the Boston Celtics, and then came back to Europe to join Anadolu, where he became a club legend. Last season he averaged 15.3 points and 4.2 assists in 12 EuroLeague games. Separately, Panathinaikos formally released TJ Shorts, who now appears set to join Valencia as Jan Montero’s replacement after averaging 8.1 points and 2.9 assists in 16:06 minutes per EuroLeague game.