Beşiktaş set summer plan for award-winning Super Eagles star after failed January bid

Beşiktaş are expected to return for Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare in the summer after failing to sign him from Wolverhampton Wanderers during the January transfer window, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Turkish side made a serious attempt earlier this year, but a deal could not be reached. Despite that setback, their interest has not gone away, and the club are likely to try again once the season ends, as per reports in Turkey.

Beşiktaş’ interest is driven by a clear tactical need. Head coach Sergen Yalçın wants a traditional centre-forward to lead his attack. The search became urgent after Tammy Abraham ended his loan spell early and joined Aston Villa in January.

Arokodare quickly became their top target. The Nigerian striker had built a strong reputation during his time at KRC Genk, where he scored more than 20 goals in the 2024–25 season and won major individual awards, including the Belgian Golden Boot and Ebony Shoe.

However, Beşiktaş were unable to complete the deal before the transfer window closed. Instead, they signed Hyeon-gyu Oh as a replacement. While Oh has joined the squad, Arokodare is still seen as a better long-term fit for the team’s style.

At Wolves, Arokodare has had a mixed first season in England. He has struggled for regular starts but has still made important contributions, including key goals and assists in big matches. With Jørgen Strand Larsen having left for Crystal Palace, there is also a chance that his role at the club could grow.

Even so, if playing time remains limited, a move away in the summer could appeal to the player.

Besiktas and Arokodare: What went wrong in January?

The main reason the January transfer failed was a clear difference in valuation between the two clubs.

Beşiktaş submitted a formal bid of €15 million for Arokodare. Wolves rejected the offer, insisting on a fee closer to €25–30 million. The Premier League club were not willing to sell at a loss, having paid around €26 million to sign him from Genk in 2025.

Timing also played a role. Wolves were reluctant to lose another striker in the middle of the season, especially after already selling Strand Larsen. That decision increased Arokodare’s importance to the squad, even if he was not starting every game.

With no agreement reached, Beşiktaş moved on quickly to secure Oh before the window shut. That ended any immediate chance of a transfer.

Now, the situation may change in the summer. Beşiktaş could return with a higher offer, while Wolves may be more open to negotiations at the end of the season.

Everything will likely depend on whether Beşiktaş are willing to meet the asking price and whether Arokodare sees his future at Wolves or elsewhere.