Okay Yokuslu agrees terms on West Brom exit as transfer talks reach final stages
West Brom and Besiktas are close to agreeing a deal for midfielder Okay Yokuslu, according to Ertan Süzgün.
The Turkish journalist reported via X on 5 July that the talks between the two clubs had reached the final stages.
Yokuslu has also already agreed personal terms in principle with the Istanbul giants ahead of a potential exit, with events moving quickly as Sports Digitale only reported earlier the same day that Besiktas had met with his agents to ask about conditions for a move.
A host of Baggies players have already departed on free transfers as their contracts expired, with the likes of Matt Phillips, Nathaniel Chalobah and Adam Reach confirmed exits.
Okay Yokuslu accepts offer to leave West Brom
Missing out on promotion via the play-offs last year was always going to leave Carlos Corberan’s squad open to losing key men.
Shilen Patel’s takeover may have lifted the long-term gloom around The Hawthorns but the Albion owner was open about the fact that the club still faces financial challenges in the immediate future in his 13 June open letter.
Yokuslu has made his relatively unheralded return to the club a major success, recording 89 appearances in all competitions over the past two seasons as a vital part of the regular starting XI.
It can’t be dressed up as anything but a blow if he’s to head back to his home country during the window, but the chance to play for one of the Istanbul giants and the Europa League next season is going to be difficult to turn down from his point of view.
The 30-year-old only has a year left on his West Brom contract so banking a fee for him at this stage, in light of the finances, is probably the best option in the circumstances.
Alex Mowatt’s confirmed contract extension helps soften the blow of Yokuslu’s now-presumed exit slightly, but Corberan will surely be looking to bring in a capable replacement, considering Chalobah has already gone.
In other West Brom news, Henry Winter was delighted by what the Albion have done since the season ended.
For more West Brom news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.