Semih Kilicsoy of Besiktas in action against Adana Demirspor in the Turkish Super Lig
Semih Kilicsoy of Besiktas in action against Adana Demirspor in the Turkish Super Lig (Photo by Eren Bozkurt/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Aston Villa had multiple summer bids for Turkish forward Semih Kılıçsoy rejected after Besiktas vice-president Hüseyin Yücel admitted to dealings between the two clubs, it has been revealed.
Yücel said that Villa's president of football operations Monchi put forward numerous offers proposals for Besiktas' young star before giving up on the deal.
The 19-year-old is a player who the Villans have reportedly still been interested in since the failed summer negotiations, with Paris Saint-Germain reportedly lining up a hefty bid for the Turk after joining the race for his signature.
Kılıçsoy had a breakout season for the Black Eagles last campaign, scoring 12 goals and bagging three assists, which drew the attention of the West Midlands club. He has been a little less influential this season with a couple of goals and five assists as we reach the halfway mark, however, the attacker has started more games over the past month or two both in the Turkish Süper Lig and Europa League.
Speaking to Tivibu Spor,T24 have reported Yücel's comments.
"Semih Kılıçsoy received an offer from Aston Villa," the vice-president explained.
"Monchi’s initial offer was €12m, then it went up to €15m. Semih was going to play in our team for 1 year. They also asked, “Do you want Diego Carlos or Àlex Moreno?” I couldn’t get it accepted. The president said €15m is too little."
Carlos did, of course, remain at Villa Park after a suitor was not found for the Brazilian, whilst Moreno was sent out on loan to Nottingham Forest.
As the January transfer window approaches, Kılıçsoy's slight downturn in form from last season could prompt Besiktas to cash in, especially considering PSG are reportedly planning a €30 million offer and Villa still holding an interest.
Contracted until 2028, Besiktas could also choose to bide their time with the teenager who still has lots to learn in the senior game.
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