Besiktas step up pursuit of Algerian defender Jaouen Hadjam

Turkish giants Besiktas have reignited their interest in Algerian left-back Jaouen Hadjam, now a key figure at Swiss champions Young Boys, and want to secure his signing as soon as the January transfer window opens.

Turkish outlet Sports Digitale reports that sporting director Serkan Reçber travelled to Switzerland on Thursday to watch the 22-year-old in the Europa League clash against Lille at the Wankdorf, with a post-match meeting already planned with Young Boys officials.

The idea is to make one last live assessment of Hadjam, then immediately move into negotiations, underlining how determined Besiktas are to close the deal quickly. The calendar could favour a swift move: after facing Lille, Hadjam will be suspended for the Super League game against Lucerne, then join Algeria for the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations, meaning the European tie might be one of his final outings in yellow and black if an agreement is found.

Besiktas had already tried to sign him in summer 2024, but the operation collapsed over finances, as a loan with a 5 million euro obligation was deemed too costly once the club factored in terminating Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s contract.

Since then, Hadjam has flourished in Bern after leaving Nantes, becoming one of the best full-backs in Switzerland, winning the league and strengthening his status in the Algerian national team, which makes him an even more attractive target as Young Boys wait to see if Besiktas finally meet their demands.