Southampton and Besiktas are reportedly set to hold further talks over a loan deal for Mohamed Elyounoussi, and this could prove to be the best move for all parties.
Fanatik claims that the Super Lig side will push ahead with their pursuit of the winger, who endured a disastrous first season in English football following a £16 million switch from FC Basel.
The report states that Saints are keen to take a €1.5 million loan fee, with Besiktas reluctant to pay for the permanent signing of Elyounoussi just yet.
A move to Turkey is also believed to be of preference to the Norway international, who is poised to reject advances from La Liga duo Sevilla and Celta Vigo.
Read Southampton’s verdict
Elyounoussi, as per the report, feels he’s better suited to playing in the Super Lig as opposed to the more challenging La Liga. Simply put, it’s no real surprise because he isn’t good enough to play for a club of Sevilla’s prestige, for example.
Attackers tend to thrive at established Turkish clubs but struggle with the step up to the Premier League. One embodiment of this trend is Cenk Tosun, who was outstanding at Besiktas but has been hugely uninspiring at Everton.
For Elyounoussi, though, it will be important that he gets his career back on track after a stagnant season. Playing against defenders of lower quality could benefit him and aid him in getting his confidence back, so it’s no great shock to see that he would apparently prefer to move to Turkey.
This deal seems to be a good outcome for everyone. Elyounoussi gets a shot at revitalising his career, Besiktas sign a player with a point to prove, and Saints receive a loan fee for a player who is surplus to requirements. The sooner this one is completed, the better.
