Former England defender Steven Caulker is set to stay in Turkey after agreeing on a deal to sign for Fenerbahce. The former Tottenham and Queens Park Rangers centre-back, 29, has spent two seasons at Alanyaspor and will sign a contract pending a medical.The centre-back will join one of the three Istanbul giants as a free agent following the expiration of his Alanyaspor contract.Many eyebrows were raised when Caulker switched England for Turkey two years ago but it proved to be a good career move for a player that was once signed by Jurgen Klopp for Liverpool. His impact at Anfield wasn’t a lasting one, but Caulker still has a lot to show and is now at a great age for a defender.Caulker playing for Liverpool in 2016 (©Gallo Images)On Tuesday, Caulker thanked Alanyaspor and its fans on social media for giving him a chance to rebuild his career after leaving England.”You gave me a chance. I will never forget what you did for me.”Caulker, who has also played for Cardiff City, Swansea City, Dundee and Liverpool, made 33 appearances and scored three goals for Alanyaspor last season.Alanyaspor were top of the Turkish Super Lig but eventually slipped to seventh. Moving to Fenerbahce will offer Caulker the chance to compete in the Europa League next season.Steven Caulker will join Fenerbahce from Alanyaspor.It’s quite the redemption story since going to Turkey in 2019 & beating his addictions.Next season he’ll be playing Europa league football.‘I chose sober because I wanted a better life.I stay sober because I got one.’👏🏿👊🏿 pic.twitter.com/a0cGeIA19j— Gilles 🇳🇬🇬🇧 (@GrimandiTweetss) June 29, 2021 Caulker has one cap for England, scoring in a 4-2 defeat against Sweden in a friendly in 2012. He also made five appearances for Team GB at the London Olympics that year.
