26.08.2026 08:50
Ernest Poku, whom Besiktas has reached a principle agreement with to add to their squad from Bayer Leverkusen, has arrived in Istanbul. The 22-year-old winger, who reached Istanbul in the night hours, said in his first message to the black-and-white fans, "I can't wait to play in front of them."
Beşiktaş announced that a preliminary agreement has been reached with Ernest Poku, who plays for Bayer Leverkusen, and his club regarding a transfer. The young footballer, who set off to complete the transfer procedures, arrived in Istanbul around 01:00 AM.
"I CAN'T WAIT TO PLAY IN FRONT OF THE FANS"
In his first statement to Beşiktaş's YouTube channel, Poku sent a message to the black-and-white fans. The 22-year-old footballer said, "I feel good, I'm fresh and ready to start. I can't wait to play in front of the fans. It's a wonderful thing that the fans are at the airport. I can't wait to see them. What I'm really looking forward to is playing in front of them; I'm eagerly awaiting that moment."
TO BE LOANED WITH PURCHASE OPTION
According to the agreement reached with Bayer Leverkusen, Poku is expected to be loaned to Beşiktaş with a purchase option. It was stated that this option would become mandatory if specified conditions are met. It was also reported that Beşiktaş plans a 1+4 year contract with the young player, and Poku will earn 3 million euros annually.
20 MILLION EURO OPTION
According to Sky Germany's report, Beşiktaş will pay Bayer Leverkusen a loan fee of 3 million euros for Poku. It was also claimed that the contract will include a mandatory purchase option of 20 million euros.
BACKED OUT OF FIORENTINA AT THE LAST MOMENT
According to Firenze Viola's report, Poku changed his mind at the last moment despite having an agreement with Fiorentina. It was stated that the Italian club had reached a deal with Bayer Leverkusen totaling 20 million euros, including a loan and mandatory purchase option, but the transfer did not happen due to the young footballer's preference.
WHO IS ERNEST POKU?
Ernest Poku, who grew up in the AZ Alkmaar youth academy, transferred to Bayer Leverkusen last season for a transfer fee of 10 million euros. The 22-year-old footballer, whose main position is right wing, can also play on the left wing and as a striker. In 45 matches he played for Bayer Leverkusen, Poku recorded 5 goals and 8 assists.