Zidane meeting in the works
The front office is planning a meeting with Zinedine Zidane as the coaching search intensifies (6). This is the biggest name linked so far, and it signals serious ambition from the board. After a season that ended in 4th place, 60 points from 34 matches, the club clearly wants a statement hire to lead the rebuild.
Italiano also in the frame
Besiktas has opened talks with Vincenzo Italiano, recently out at Bologna, about the vacant managerial role (4). The Italian manager is one of several names under consideration alongside Zidane, Filipe Luis, Carlos Vicens, and Razvan Lucescu. The picture remains fluid, with the club seemingly waiting on decisions from multiple targets.
Sangare deal hits a snag
The pursuit of Nottingham Forest midfielder Ibrahim Sangare has encountered a complication involving Vitor Pereira (3). Besiktas hold serious interest in the player, but Pereira's involvement, the specifics of which have not been made clear, appears to be throwing a wrench into negotiations. This one is worth watching as the window develops.
Kaplan tug-of-war brewing
Ajax centre-back Ahmetcan Kaplan could be on the move, and Besiktas are among the clubs circling. NEC want to make his loan permanent, but Ajax are reportedly hoping for a bidding war involving Besiktas and Trabzonspor to drive up the price (1). A potential defensive reinforcement if the numbers work.
Fan reactions
The Italiano rumor has fans split. Some see the Bologna project as proof he can build something special at Vodafone Park, while others are skeptical about whether his style fits the Super Lig. The Zidane chatter is mostly being met with excitement and a healthy dose of disbelief, the kind of ambition supporters have been craving. Join the discussion
