Besiktas eye move for Ghana-England defender Jerome Opoku from Basaksehir

Ghana-England centre-back Jerome Opoku of Basaksehir is being linked with a summer switch to Turkish rivals Besiktas, with the 27-year-old’s future uncertain as his contract situation points towards the possibility of a free-agent exit.

The Istanbul giants are monitoring Opoku ahead of the new Süper Lig campaign, with the move rated only as “?” at this stage and no agreement reported between the clubs. Transfermarkt currently values the defender at €5.00m, but with no contract expiry date publicly listed at Basaksehir, there is speculation Besiktas could try to exploit any opening to negotiate a cut-price deal or even move if his deal has quietly run its course.

Opoku, born in London on 14 October 1998 and standing at 1.97m, has built a reputation as a physically imposing left-footed centre-back. Eligible for both Ghana and England, he is registered with dual nationality and has emerged as a regular presence in the Turkish top flight for Basaksehir, wearing the number 3 shirt.

Recent performances in the Süper Lig have kept him on the radar of bigger domestic clubs. In his latest outing for Basaksehir – a league fixture in late spring 2026 against fellow top-flight opposition, where his side were held in a tight scoreline – Opoku delivered a solid defensive display, underlining his aerial strength and ability to marshal the back line, even as Basaksehir’s form has fluctuated.

Having already experienced top-tier football in Turkey and established a market value that reflects his status as a late‑prime defender, a move to Besiktas would represent a significant step up in profile. If the transfer materialises, it could offer Opoku a platform to enhance his reputation in European competition and redefine the next phase of his career at one of Turkey’s most demanding clubs.