The future of players whose contracts are expiring at Beşiktaş is cause for concern
As Beşiktaş gains momentum in the Süper Lig, with the 13th week of the league now complete and the winter transfer window approaching, the club has 7 players whose contracts are set to expire. With players in almost every position nearing the end of their contracts, it appears Beşiktaş will be busy with internal transfers as well.
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As the 13th week of the 2023-2024 season in the Süper Lig concludes, with the winter transfer window just around the corner, the contracts of exactly 7 footballers at Beşiktaş are set to expire in 2024.
Here are those players:
Eric Bailly, the Ivorian center-back who was transferred from Manchester United for free at the start of the season, missed 9 matches due to injury. The 29-year-old player remained on the pitch for a total of 447 minutes (64 minutes per match) in the 7 matches he played. Additionally, there is a 2-year option in Bailly's contract.
Gökhan İnler, the experienced 39-year-old midfielder who was transferred from Adana Demirspor at the start of the season and is in his second stint at the black-and-white club, has not been able to take the field in any official matches during the time that has passed.
Rachid Ghezzal, the Algerian right-winger who was transferred from Leicester City 4 seasons ago for a 3 million Euro transfer fee, played a significant role in his team's championship in his first season with 8 goals and 17 assists. However, the 31-year-old player has been away from football due to injuries sustained over the last two years. Having missed 31 matches last season due to injuries, Ghezzal has been unable to play in 12 matches so far this season. The 31-year-old experienced footballer has managed to score 1 goal and provide 3 assists in the 11 matches he has played in a Beşiktaş jersey this season. Furthermore, there is a 1-year option in Ghezzal's contract.
Salih Uçan, who is in his third season at Beşiktaş, has shown a significant performance this season with 2 goals and 5 assists in the 18 matches he has played in the black-and-white jersey. The 30-year-old midfielder is among the players whose contracts are set to expire.
Umut Meraş, the 28-year-old who was transferred from Le Havre three years ago, was acquired for a transfer fee of 1.5 million Euros. However, the 27-year-old experienced defender is struggling to find playing time. Meraş, who has served in 4 matches this season, all of which were in the Conference League, has only been able to find 142 minutes of playing time in total.
Utku Yuvakıran, the 26-year-old goalkeeper who is the 3rd choice behind Mert Günok and Ersin Destanoğlu, has not yet appeared in any official matches this season.
Cenk Tosun, the experienced striker who is in his 3rd stint at Beşiktaş, has played in 16 matches this season. The 32-year-old center-forward has shown a performance of 4 goals and 2 assists in 16 matches.