Name: Kaan Ayhan

Nationality: Turkey (also eligible for Germany; born in Gelsenkirchen, West Germany)

Date of Birth: November 10, 1994

Position: Defender — primarily centre-back and right-back (can also play as a defensive right-sided or central defender)

Club Career (highlights related to Sassuolo):

• Joined U.S. Sassuolo Calcio on loan from Fortuna Düsseldorf in January 2017.
• After a successful loan spell, Sassuolo signed him permanently in the summer of 2017.
• Was a regular starter for Sassuolo in Serie A across multiple seasons, noted for his defensive versatility, aerial ability, and occasional goal contributions.
• Made numerous appearances for Sassuolo in league and cup competitions during his tenure at the club (2017–2021).

Other Clubs:

• Youth: FC Schalke 04 (youth system)
• Senior: FC Schalke 04 II / Schalke 04 (early senior career), Fortuna Düsseldorf (loan and permanent), Sassuolo (2017–2021), and later clubs following his time at Sassuolo include (for completeness) İstanbul Başakşehir and other Turkish clubs depending on transfer timing.

International Career:

• Represents Turkey at senior international level. Debuted for Turkey in 2016.
• Has been part of Turkey squads for European Championship qualifying and other international fixtures, contributing as a defender and occasional goal-scorer from set pieces.

Playing Style & Strengths:

• Versatile defender able to play centrally or on the right of the backline.
• Good positional sense, physicality and aerial presence.
• Comfortable with the ball at his feet and able to contribute to build-up play from the back.

Notable Facts:

• Born and raised in Germany to Turkish parents; eligible for both national teams but chose Turkey.
• Has scored for the Turkish national team and has been a regular national-team selection when fit.

Current Status: Transfer activity after his Sassuolo spell has taken him back to clubs in Turkey and elsewhere; specific current club should be checked against the latest sources for up-to-date confirmation.