Turkish transfer deadline day: 4 possible deals including Aston Villa loan and AFCON hero

Senegal celebrates after a nail-biting Africa Cup of Nations final victory over seven-times winners Egypt

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

The Turkish winter transfer window is finally set to close today and the likes of Fenerbahce, Galatasaray, Besiktas and Istanbul Basaksehir are all expected to be active as they look to scramble some last-minute deals over the line. Over the years, the Super Lig has become a playground for players slightly over the hill and the familiar pattern is expected to continue on deadline day as Express Sport takes a look at four high-profile transfers that could materialise before the deadline.

Trezeguet – Istanbul Basaksehir (loan)

Aston Villa winger Trezeguet is expected to arrive in Istanbul today to sign for Basaksehir on loan until the end of the season.

The Egyptian international, who will still be processing Sunday’s agonising Africa Cup of Nations final defeat to Senegal, is set to embark on a new challenge.

Having fallen down the pecking order at Villa Park following the arrivals of Danny Ings (Ollie Watkins has featured out wide), Emiliano Buendia and Leon Bailey, Trezeguet is eager to get out and play regular football.

The 27-year-old is no stranger to the Turkish top-flight having previously played for Super Lig outfit Kasimpasa.

Basaksehir president Goksel Gumusdag has already confirmed the club have an agreement in place with Villa over a loan that will now be finalised following the completion of the Africa Cup of Nations.

READ MORE: Liverpool star Mohamed Salah handed shot at redemption after painful AFCON final defeat

Vincent Aboubakar – Fenerbahce

AFCON Golden Boot winner Aboubakar is on the radar of Fenerbahce after rifling home eight goals in seven outings at the tournament in his home country.

The Al Nassr striker has previously spent two seasons with Besiktas (2016/17 and 2020/21) where he struck 27 times in 59 outings.

Now Fenerbahce supporters are making a play for the 30-year-old on social media, ordering their club to push for a late deal.

The Turkish giant’s fans have a big say on the club’s signings having already vetoed Fenerbahce’s proposed loan deal for Watford’s Danny Rose.

They were also happy for the board to sign another former Besiktas forward in Anderson Talisca, however, so far Fenerbahce chiefs have failed to deliver as the supporters crank up the pressure in the final hours of the window.

DON’T MISS
Glenn Hoddle slams Dele Alli outfit for Everton unveiling – ‘Dragged off the street’
Liverpool’s Luis Diaz had ‘pre-agreement’ with Cardiff over transfer that never happened
Adama Traore shows Tottenham what they’re missing with mesmerising Barcelona debut

Pizzi – Istanbul Basaksehir

Benfica legend Pizzi is set to leave Lisbon, nine years after signing for the club in 2013.

The Portuguese international attacking midfielder has won four Primeira Liga titles during his time at the Stadium of Light, where he will now be remembered fondly.

Pizzi is now set to join Trezeguet at Basaksehir, where he will seek to play regularly after losing his place in the Benfica side.

He struck 94 times in 360 outings for The Eagles, where he has already secured hero status.

Diego Costa – Fenerbahce

The Spaniard held talks with the Turkish giants on Monday and although the transfer now seems unlikely, there is still a chance of a deal being reignited.

Fenerbahce are desperate for a new striker and had previously offered the Premier League winner a short-term deal until the end of the season.

Costa’s wage demands are understood to have been too high though following the conclusion of the talks earlier this week, as Fenerbahce walked away from the table.

Yet given the former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid frontman remains a free-agent following his departure from Atletico Mineiro, a transfer is still very much possible.

Source: Read Full Article