Besiktas have officially entered the race for Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor.
The Turkish side have reportedly launched a big money bid for the Frenchman.
Isidor looks set for a Stadium of Light exit in the January transfer window with a £20million offer said to be made.
The Abraham Windfall
Besiktas find themselves in a unique position of financial strength following the complex permanent-then-immediate-sale of Tammy Abraham to Aston Villa.
The Turkish club have finalised the £11.2m permanent purchase of Abraham from Roma, only to immediately sanction his £18million return to Villa Park.
This transaction has provided Besiktas with an immediate cash injection and significant wage relief.
The board has reportedly given the green light for the manager to reinvest those funds into the squad.
Soucek and Areola on the Radar
Isidor isn’t the only name on the Besiktas shortlist.
Sources in Istanbul suggest the club is also in active negotiations with West Ham United for the veteran duo Tomas Soucek and Alphonse Areola.
With West Ham undergoing a radical defensive overhaul under Nuno Espirito Santo, both players have seen their long-term futures at the London Stadium questioned.
Besiktas are reportedly offering Areola a guaranteed No. 1 spot and a lucrative multi-year contract, while Soucek is viewed as the ideal “powerhouse” to stabilize a midfield that has lacked physicality this season.
The Turkish side are hopeful that a combined package for the pair could be reached.
Sunderland’s Resolve Tested
For Sunderland, the bid for Isidor presents a major dilemma.
Having valued the 25-year-old at £25 million earlier in the month, the £20 million offer from Turkey is the most concrete interest they have received to date.
Everton were interested in Isidor, but Besiktas are currently the only club with the liquid capital to close the deal immediately.
