Ghanaian forward Ernest Poku has arrived in Turkey as he prepares to complete a loan move to Besiktas from Bayer Leverkusen.
The 22-year-old is close to joining the Istanbul-based club after Besiktas reportedly reached an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen over the structure of the transfer. The final move remains subject to Poku completing his medical examination and the necessary paperwork being signed.
The reported agreement includes a €3m loan fee for the upcoming spell. Besiktas are also understood to have negotiated a €20m purchase clause, which could become an obligation to buy if certain conditions included in the agreement are met.
Poku is expected to undergo his medical in Istanbul before the transfer can be formally confirmed. Once those checks are completed, the remaining administrative work will be finalised and the Ghanaian attacker can begin his next chapter in Turkish football.
The move would provide Poku with the opportunity to continue his development at one of Turkey’s major clubs and compete in a new league. It would also give him the chance to establish himself at a high-profile European side while showing his attacking ability on a bigger platform.
Poku’s flexibility is expected to be one of his main strengths for Besiktas. He can play on either flank, operating as a right winger or left winger, and is also capable of featuring as a centre-forward. That versatility could offer the club additional options as they strengthen their attack ahead of the new campaign.
For Bayer Leverkusen, the loan arrangement gives Poku the opportunity to gain further first-team experience away from the German club. For Besiktas, it provides access to a young forward who can cover several positions across the frontline, with the potential for the temporary transfer to develop into a permanent deal.
The reported purchase clause means Besiktas could have the option to retain Poku beyond the loan period for €20m. However, whether that clause remains optional or becomes compulsory will depend on the conditions agreed between the two clubs.
Poku’s arrival in Turkey marks the latest stage of a developing career, although the move will not be officially completed until his medical has been passed and the final documents have been completed. Attention now turns to those formalities before Besiktas can confirm the transfer.
