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All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue. English defender Archie Brown has agreed to join Fenerbahce, after turning his back on a move to AC Milan. The 23-year-old is set to undergo a medical with Jose Mourinho's side ahead of a move from Belgian outfit Gent, after the two clubs agreed a fee of around €9million (£7. 8m). Brown is expected to put pen to paper on a four-year deal with the Turkish giants, but only after a shock late twist. A transfer tug-of-war looked to have developed over the left-back, when AC Milan threatened to hijack his move to Fenerbahce after a deal had been already agreed. The Italian giants were said to have sent a private jet for Brown at Brussels airport in a late attempt to change his mind. Belgian journalist Sascha Tavolieri reported that Milan's sporting director Igli Tare had held direct talks with Brown, who saw him as a replacement for Theo Hernandez following his move to Al Hilal. But with the Englishman ultimately opting to join the 28-time Turkish champions, he has finally ended the battle for his signature. It was certainly a close call though, as Brown has now revealed just how close he was to settling on a future at the San Siro. Speaking to Guardian reporter Fabrizio Romano, the ex-Derby youth player admitted the deal had been all but sealed, only to be convinced to join Fenerbahce by club president Ali Koc at the final hour. He said: “The deal was basically done with AC Milan. I was ready to go. "But then, I got a call from Fenerbahçe president overnight. That changed everything. “The passion he showed, the vision… it made the decision clear. I knew I had to come to Fener. " While Brown may have turned down Milan in favour of Fenerbahce, the Serie A side weren't the only club rumoured to have been interested in securing his services. Earlier this summer, he was linked with a move to Premier League new boys Leeds, having impressed on the continent for Gent. Brown's latest career move means he will continue to ply his trade outside of England, having only played senior football away from his country of birth. After progressing through the youth ranks at Derby County, the Birmingham-born player opted to join Swiss side Lausanne-Sport at the age of 18 in 2021. He went on to feature 42 times for the club, where his performances led to Genk coming calling in 2023. In his debut season in Belgium, Brown featured 44 times, and impressed enough to earn international recognition in the form a first-ever England youth call-up with their under-20 side last year. After scoring a goal on his second England appearance, Brown returned to Gent to enjoy an equally successful club season. He made a total of 46 appearances in all competitions last term, eight of which came in the Europa Conference League and included a goal in his side's round of 16 play-off second leg against eventual finalists Real Betis. With a chance to impress under legendary manager Mourinho at Fenerbahce, Brown will hoping to hit the ground running in Turkey as his would-be employers target a first league title since 2014. Watch all of the FIFA Club World Cup free on DAZN. Sign up now so you don't miss any of the action. *Clicking on a DAZN link in this article may earn talk SPORT affiliate revenue © 2025 talk SPORT Limited

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