Aston Villa is set to acquire striker Tammy Abraham from Besiktas for a reported €21 million, a move that also includes Besiktas defender Yasin Özcan. The deal signals a significant investment for Aston Villa as they bolster their attacking options.
Overpriced purchase option and language barrier
Özcan, currently on loan to Anderlecht until the end of the season, made his debut in the Jupiler Pro League last weekend, featuring as a left back in a 0-0 draw against Dender. Despite the debut, his long-term future at Anderlecht appeared uncertain, with the club deeming the €8 million purchase option unaffordable and citing a language barrier as a contributing factor.
The Turkish defender had expressed a desire to join Besiktas, and the club has now agreed to a 3.5-year contract, intending to bring him over during the winter transfer window. This move prompted Anderlecht to accelerate their search for a left-footed defender.
Anderlecht has already secured a ‘replacement’
Anderlecht had already been pursuing defensive reinforcements and announced the signing of Malian defender Moussa Diara (25) on Tuesday. Diara joins on loan from a Spanish second division club until the end of the season, with a purchase option included in the agreement. This acquisition paved the way for Özcan’s departure.
Özcan was spotted at Istanbul airport on Tuesday evening, finalizing his transfer to the Turkish club. Speaking to the Turkish press, he stated, “I went to Europe, learned a lot and gained experience. Now I am returning. I will put what I learned there into practice as best as possible. I will do my best for this team and give 100% on the field.”
