Why Tolu Arokodare's proposed Besiktas move might be off

Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare was heavily linked with a transfer to Turkish Süper Lig giants Besiktas at the start of the year, but those talks have since cooled, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Nigerian striker joined Wolves from Genk last summer, but he and his teammates struggled to perform, and the club was eventually relegated from the Premier League after finishing bottom of the table.

Meanwhile, Turkish giants Besiktas have been monitoring the Super Eagles star since the start of the year. His antecedents in Belgium, where he contributed 41 goals and 12 assists in 113 appearances, ensured that he remained a top prospect.

Tolu Arokodare of Wolverhampton Wanderers celebrating his goal to make it 2-2 during the Brentford v Wolverhampton Wanderers Premier League match at the Gtech Community Stadium — Tolu Arokodare of Wolverhampton Wanderers celebrating goal. Copyright: xIMAGOxDylanxHepworthx/xEveryxSecondxMediax

It was believed that they were going to push for his signing this summer, especially with Wolves looking to downsize following their relegation. But the club seems to be planning a different route.

As a result, it is unlikely that they will move to sign the Super Eagles striker, and here’s why.

Why Besiktas Are Cooling Their Pursuit of Tolu Arokodare

Tolu Arokodare of Wolves warms up prior to the FA Cup football match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool at Molineux stadium — Tolu Arokodare of Wolves warms up. Copyright: ImagoxNataliexMincher/SPPx

Two weeks ago, Besiktas confirmed the appointment of Vincenzo Italiano as their new coach. Naturally, they intend to support him in the transfer market as he reshapes the squad.

The Italian is known to operate an intricate style of play. As such there will be significant changes to how the club approaches the transfer market.

There have already been reports that Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi will be shipped out this summer, despite having only arrived at the club last year.

This is because he does not fit the coach’s style of play. As a result, they are looking to sign new players who fit that playing philosophy.

In Arokodare’s case, Italiano has informed Besiktas that he would like to have Dušan Vlahović on his team. According to transfer specialist Nicolò Schira, this is due to the strong relationship Italiano and Vlahović formed during their time at Fiorentina.

The Serbian striker is a free agent this summer, so they won’t have to pay a fee to secure his services.

Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus FC celebrates after scoring a goal during Serie A 2025/26 football match between Torino FC and Juventus FC at Olimpico Grande Torino Stadium in Turin, Italy on 24 May 2026. Turin Stadio Olimpico Torino Turin Italy — Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus FC. Copyright: xEPhotopressx SP24-1434-082

If this happens, it is difficult to see Arokodare playing Süper Lig football next season, since all the top clubs who can afford him appear to be sorted striker-wise.

Recall that Fenerbahce, who were also eyeing him, have signed Vedat Muriqi. Given that Galatasaray have Victor Osimhen and Trabzonspor have kept Paul Onuachu, Arokodare might have to stay at Wolves or play elsewhere.