Besiktas targets Salih Ozcan for transfer from Borussia Dortmund
Dortmund's Turkish midfielder #06 Salih Ozcan smiles during the pre-season friendly club football match between Germany's BVB Borussia Dortmund and England's Aston Villa FC in Dortmund, western Germany on August 10, 2024. (AFP Photo)
Besiktas is intensifying its efforts to sign Salih Ozcan, the Turkish international midfielder who has been deemed surplus to requirements by Borussia Dortmund.
A move to Besiktas would further strengthen Besiktas’ squad for the Super Lig.
This season, Dortmund has struggled in the Bundesliga and is far from the title race. Most recently, they were defeated 4-0 by Barcelona in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.
With major changes expected at the club by the end of the season, Turkish media reports suggest Dortmund plans to part ways with as many as seven players.
Besiktas officials to visit Germany
Among the players reportedly set to leave, Dortmund is Salih Ozcan, a player Besiktas had previously shown interest in. With Dortmund’s decision to move on from him, Besiktas is now in a stronger position to negotiate a deal. The club intends to meet with Dortmund before the season ends to finalize the transfer.
Besiktas officials are expected to travel to Germany in the coming days to complete the deal.
Transfer demand of 4 million euros
According to Takvim, Dortmund is asking for 4 million euros ($4.35 million) for Salih Ozcan, who has been with the club since 2022.
Besiktas hopes to lower the asking price to finalize the transfer. This season, Ozcan has played in 22 matches but has not scored or provided an assist.
The 27-year-old midfielder, who has earned 23 caps for the Turkish national team, is now one step closer to joining Besiktas, which would further bolster the club’s lineup.
