Besiktas' fans celebrate their 2016-2017 Turkish league champion title after the Turkish Spor Toto Super league football match between Besiktas and Osmanlispor near the Vodafone Park stadium on June 3, 2017 in Istanbul. / AFP PHOTO / YASIN AKGUL (Photo credit should read YASIN AKGUL/AFP/Getty Images)
Besiktas is reportedly positioning itself for a last-minute attempt to sign Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho, as the Turkish transfer window remains open after the deadline for most major European leagues. According to Turkish outlet Milliyet, Sancho is a top target for Besiktas, which is looking to strengthen its left-wing position.
Sancho’s future at Manchester United is uncertain despite the club’s recent transfer activity, which has seen them add Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, and Diego Leon to their forward line. United may need to sell players to balance their squad, and Sancho is among those expected to depart.
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While Besiktas is determined to land the Englishman, a deal is far from guaranteed. Sancho’s current priority is to play in the Champions League, a condition that has already led him to turn down interest from Roma. Juventus is also in talks with the winger, but they have yet to finalize personal terms.
Besiktas’s strategy hinges on the transfer windows. With most elite European leagues closing their window on September 1, the Turkish giants believe they could be in a prime position to make a move after this deadline. The Turkish transfer window remains open until September 12, giving Besiktas an extended period to negotiate.
While Besiktas is reportedly willing to meet United’s asking price, Sancho appears to favor a move to a Champions League club. Many observers believe a move to Juventus is the most likely outcome, as talks between the two parties have been ongoing. Reports suggest Sancho may be willing to accept a significant pay cut to join the Italian club.
If a deal with Juventus were to fall through, Besiktas could present a viable alternative for Sancho, who would then have to weigh his options before the Turkish window closes. The Istanbul club’s persistence suggests they will be ready to act if the opportunity arises.