Besiktas eyeing €15 million-rated attacker with two Super Eagles caps

Former Turkish Super Lig champions Besiktas are plotting a transfer for Super Eagles winger Nathan Tella, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Black Eagles have not won the Super Lig title since 2021, as Trabzonspor and Galatasaray have dominated the domestic scene. However, they have been making big moves in the transfer market to fortify their squad in order to compete with their rivals.

In the past year, they have signed Wilfred Ndidi, Junior Olaitan, Michael Murillo, Jonathan Silva, Oh Hyeon-Gyu, Emmanuel Agbadou, and Tammy Abraham—who is currently on loan at Aston Villa.

Nigeria and Besiktas star Wilfred Ndidi. Photo by Seskimphoto /IMAGO

However, results have not gone their way. They currently sit fourth in the Turkish Super Lig standings, 12 points behind leaders Galatasaray.

As it stands, they will only qualify for the UEFA Conference League unless they can usurp Fenerbahce and Trabzonspor, who are eight points ahead of them. But with seven games and 21 points still up for grabs, they will be hoping that things go their way in the final stretch.

In the meantime, the Black Eagles have already started planning for next season as they look to present a stronger challenge for the Super Lig title.

Besiktas Target Nathan Tella From Bayer Leverkusen

Nathan Tella of Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Copyright: ImagoxEibner-Pressefoto/ThomasxHaeslerx

According to a report from Mackolik, Besiktas are targeting Nathan Tella from Bayer Leverkusen.

The Nigerian winger has endured a topsy-turvy three-year stay at Bayer Leverkusen so far. In his first campaign, he helped the club claim a maiden Bundesliga title under the tutelage of Xabi Alonso.

Last season, he still saw plenty of minutes. But this year, things have been rough. Tella has spent more time on the treatment table and in recovery than on the pitch.

Meanwhile, it appears that coach Kasper Hjulmand does not see Tella as a key member of the team, and he is willing to let him leave.

Bayer Leverkusen star Nathan Tella. Photo by IMAGO

The Black Eagles are seriously interested and could make a bid in the summer.

According to Transfermarkt, the 26-year-old winger is valued at €15 million. With just over two years left on his contract, Bayer Leverkusen likely would not demand a fee much higher than that.

Tella would have Nigerian company at Besiktas, as Wilfred Ndidi is already at the club. Playing alongside his national teammate could be an enticing prospect for the winger.