Transfers
MERCATO
OFFICIEL
Eyüpspor seal defensive reinforcement as Simone Giordano swaps Sampdoria for Istanbul
The 24-year-old Italian defender, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Mantova, has joined the Turkish outfit on a free transfer.
Eyüpspor have moved to bolster their defensive options by completing the signing of Italian defender Simone Giordano on a free transfer from Serie B side Sampdoria. The 24-year-old, who spent the latter part of last season on loan at Mantova, puts pen to paper at the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Stadyumu, adding depth to a backline that will be looking to push up the Turkish table next term.
At a glance
- Age: 24 | Position: Defender | Jersey: 21
- Move: Free transfer | Date: 2026-08-22
- From: Sampdoria (ITA) | To: Eyüpspor (TUR)
Career context
Giordano's progression has been steady rather than headline-grabbing, built around loan spells that offered real senior football. He began his senior journey away from Sampdoria — the club where he was registered at the time — with a temporary switch to Ascoli in July 2023. The following January, he moved to Mantova, initially on loan, and returned for a second stint that ran until the summer. He was officially back at Sampdoria in July 2025 before being announced as a free agent in late June 2026, paving the way for his move to Istanbul.
None of his spells have been particularly prolific in terms of silverware — his career trophy cabinet remains empty — but each move has added experience. His most recent Serie B campaign with Sampdoria saw him make 22 appearances, mostly from the bench, suggesting a squad player mentality that could suit a club aiming for rotation and solidity.
How he fits at his new club
Listed purely as a Defender, Giordano offers flexibility across the backline. At 184 cm and 76 kg, he brings a physical presence suited to a league where aerial duels and set-piece defending matter. His API-Football attributes show a defensive score of 51, technique at 68, and notably high duels at 100 — indicating he's most comfortable in one-on-one situations rather than progressive passing sequences.
Apps
Goals
Assists
Minutes
Rating
His creation attribute sits at just 21, reinforcing the profile of a no-frills, positionally sound defender who prioritises stopping attacks over starting them. For Eyüpspor, that likely means a role as cover or a rotational starter, particularly useful in a league where injuries and suspensions can disrupt even the best-laid plans.
Recent numbers
Last season in Serie B, Giordano made 22 appearances — 15 starts and seven as a substitute — accumulating 1,390 minutes of action. He completed 561 passes at an 81% accuracy rate, suggesting reliability when called upon to build from the back. His tackle count stood at 23, with 14 interceptions and six blocks, all consistent with a defender comfortable in his own half.
He won 73 of 119 duels — a 61% success rate — and committed 24 fouls while drawing 35, showing he's willing to engage physically. He didn't score and didn't assist, but he also didn't feature as a goal threat. Across his recent matches, his highest recorded individual performance rating was 6.74, with his most recent outing — a 21-minute substitute appearance on May 8 — earning him a 6.5 rating in a losing effort.
Key takeaways
- Free transfer completed: Official paperwork confirms Giordano's switch from Sampdoria to Eyüpspor on 2026-08-22, with no transfer fee involved.
- Defensive reliability: 23 tackles, 14 interceptions, and 6 blocks in 1,390 Serie B minutes last season.
- Duels machine: Won 73 of 119 attempted duels at a 61% clip — the highest-rated attribute in his profile.
- Squad player mentality: Made 22 apps (15 starts, 7 subs) — experience in rotation systems.
- No goals or assists: His role is purely defensive; creation attribute rated at only 21.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearances (2025) | 22 |
| Minutes played | 1,390 |
| Duels won | 73 / 119 (61%) |
| Pass accuracy | 81% |
| Tackles | 23 |
| Interceptions | 14 |