Newcastle United is allegedly in negotiations with Besiktas over a deal for wonderkid Semih Kilicsoy.
The 19-year-old has already been capped four times for Turkey and is swiftly emerging as one of Europe’s top talents. Despite Besiktas’ problems this season, the player has had an amazing breakout year, attracting Premier League interest.
He joined the Super Lig giants less than two years ago and is already a first-team starter, wearing No.9 at the start of the season. Capable of playing as a striker, No.10 or out wide, Kilicsoy’s versatility is a great fit for Eddie Howe.
Turkish media now says that the Magpies have increased their efforts to sign the prospect before the February 4 deadline. Any formal approach would most likely occur after Miguel Almiron’s sale to Atlanta United is completed.
Almiron’s departure, combined with the injuries to Callum Wilson and Harvey Barnes, leaves Howe with minimal bench depth. When questioned by the media in recent weeks, the Toon boss has been tight-lipped on new signings.
Kilicsoy’s agent is working feverishly to find his client a move, and Newcastle must pay roughly £16 million. He would be the second Turkish player in the club’s history, following Emre Belozoglu.
Howe admitted to the media last week that Newcastle may have to wait until the summer to welcome new players. He continued with: “Nothing has changed in terms of this window and my previous comments this month.”You never say never, so I’m not saying it, but as of right now, we haven’t been active in terms of incomings.”
However, competitive interest from Chelsea and Aston Villa should be acknowledged. PSR limits struck Toon officials earlier this month, preventing them from signing Manchester City new kid Abdukodir Khusanov because he refused to wait until the summer.
