Serdal Adali wins Besiktas presidency with bold promises to rebuild club

Serdal Adali is now the 36th president of Besiktas Sports Club after winning the extraordinary general assembly held at Sinan Erdem Sports Hall.

Adali received 8,901 votes, surpassing his rival Huseyin Yucel, who secured 3,637 votes. He promised a fresh start for the club, focusing on unity and financial stability.

Serdal Adali’s plans for economic reform, restoring Besiktas’s stability

Adali ran his campaign with promises to improve the club’s financial health and restructure its operations. He plans to reduce the club’s debts, boost revenues, and achieve financial independence.

Serdal Adali emphasized the urgent need to address the club’s fiscal issues, including an immediate $52 million payment due by May 2025. “Our goal is to create a Besiktas that stands strong in the medium and long term,” Adali said.

As part of his strategy, Adali outlined his plans to recruit top global football talent through an improved scouting system.

“A world-class football mind is waiting for us to take office,” Serdal Adali added. This approach is intended to rebuild Besiktas’s competitive standing both in Türkiye and internationally.

The focus on coaching decisions and bringing back Sergen Yalcin

One of Serdal Adali’s first priorities as president is to appoint a head coach. He plans to meet with current coach Serdar Topraktepe before holding talks with Sergen Yalcin.

Yalcin previously led Besiktas to a league championship during the 2020-2021 season, and his potential return has created significant anticipation among fans.

Adali has voiced confidence in Yalcin, describing him as the right person for the role. The club aims to offer Yalcin a 2.5-season contract if discussions succeed. Murat Sahin, Yalcin’s longtime assistant, expressed their readiness to return, saying, “If we are given the opportunity, we will take Besiktas to the best possible position.”

New transfer targets for rebuilding the squad and improving performance

Serdal Adali’s administration is already taking action to strengthen the team. The club is targeting Fulham’s Adama Traore and Southampton’s Paul Onuachu.

Besiktas plans to acquire Traore permanently while negotiating a loan deal for Onuachu. These moves aim to address performance gaps and elevate the team’s capabilities.

Additionally, midfielder Al Musrati will join Saudi club Al Fateh on a conditional loan. If Al Fateh avoids relegation, they will pay Besiktas $10 million to purchase Musrati. Otherwise, he will return to Besiktas next season.

Serdal Adali’s decisive victory reflects support for change within club

Adali’s win marks a turning point for Besiktas, as he becomes the fifth consecutive president chosen through an extraordinary general assembly.

Over 12,800 members participated in the election, showing strong support for Adali’s vision for the club. “This is a victory for Besiktas,” Adali declared in his acceptance speech. He pledged to unite stakeholders and bring success to the club.

Adali expressed gratitude to members for their trust and emphasized unity. “We will bring Besiktas to the days it deserves. The support of every Besiktas fan will make this possible,” he said. He also paid tribute to Türkiye’s founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and former honorary president Suleyman Seba.