Besiktas have made an approach to sign Mohamed Elyounoussi on a permanent deal, according to reports.
The Turkish Super Lig side have been linked with a move for the Norway international for much of the transfer window, with the forward having struggled to nail down a place in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s squad last season.
However, following making a proposal Besiktas have seemingly baulked at Southampton’s €9million asking fee, which is significantly lower than the €18million the club spent to sign him from Basel last season.
As such, Turkish source Fanatik (via Sport Witness) claim that Besiktas will now abandon hopes of a permanent transfer, although they still hope to reach an agreement that will Elyounoussi join on a loan deal.
The 24-year old’s opportunities at St Mary’s look limited this season, with new signing Moussa Djenepo ahead of him in the pecking order. With plenty of time remaining until the Turkish window closes, the winger could soon have a new club for the time being.
Read Southampton Verdict
While I think many Saints fan would rather cut their losses and see the club sell Elyounoussi, I doubt many would begrudge the club in letting the forward leave on loan.
With new signings having been brought to the club this summer, and with Elyounoussi down the pecking order, there isn’t an awful lot of space for his inclusion. Saints would be better off removing an additional burden on the wage bill to enable them to better strengthen their options in the January transfer window.
