Joseph Attamah, the seasoned Ghanaian centre-back, has officially joined Turkish second-tier outfit Sarıyer SK from Çorum FK, marking another chapter in his long and stable career in Turkish football.
The 32-year-old defender, who stands at 1.80 metres and is known for his physical presence, aerial ability, and versatility across the backline, arrives as a free agent after spending the previous season with Çorum FK in the TFF 1. Lig. This move sees him remain in the same division, where he will look to bring leadership and experience to a Sarıyer side that has recently earned promotion and is eager to establish itself among the second-tier elite.
Attamah brings with him a wealth of know-how accumulated over more than a decade in Turkish football. He first arrived in the country in 2014 as a promising young talent from Ghana’s Tema Youth, joining Adana Demirspor in the TFF First League. There, he quickly established himself as a reliable performer, making nearly 70 league appearances and contributing goals from set-pieces. His performances earned him a move to Süper Lig side İstanbul Başakşehir in 2016, where he featured regularly in domestic and European competitions, including UEFA Champions League and Europa League qualifiers.
Subsequent spells on loan at Çaykur Rizespor and Fatih Karagümrük, followed by a longer stint at Kayserispor from 2020 to 2025, saw him amass well over 300 club appearances in Turkish leagues. Throughout these years, Attamah has demonstrated remarkable consistency, adapting to different tactical systems and proving himself as a dependable defender capable of playing as a right-back or even in a defensive midfield role when required. His time at the highest level of Turkish football has equipped him with the tactical awareness and mental toughness that younger players often lack.
Beyond club duties, Attamah’s international pedigree adds significant prestige to his profile. He was an integral part of Ghana’s Under-20 team that captured bronze at the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey, starting all six matches and scoring a goal as the Black Satellites reached the quarter-finals. That tournament success not only highlighted his potential on the global stage but also coincided with his early move to Turkish football, creating a symbolic full-circle moment as he continues his career in the same country where he shone as a youth international.
Sarıyer SK, based in the picturesque Sarıyer district of Istanbul and nicknamed the White Seagulls, competes in the TFF 1. Lig for the 2025-26 season after clinching promotion from the TFF Second League. The club boasts a rich history, having once been considered Istanbul’s fourth major team in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when they finished as high as fourth in the Süper Lig on multiple occasions and even lifted the Balkans Cup in 1992. Though they have spent recent years in the lower divisions, Sarıyer’s passionate fan base and ambitious ownership signal a desire to climb back up the Turkish football pyramid.
For Attamah, this transfer represents an opportunity to continue playing competitive football at a club where his veteran presence can help stabilize the defence and mentor emerging talents. At 32, he remains fit and motivated, with a proven track record of performing in the TFF 1. Lig. Fans of Sarıyer will be hoping that his arrival strengthens their backline significantly as the team navigates what promises to be a challenging campaign in the second tier.