Dutch-born Ghanaian forward Ernest Poku is set to join Turkish giants Beşiktaş after the Istanbul club hijacked his proposed move to Fiorentina, a source close to the player’s camp has told Footy-Africa.
The development comes as a shock to Fiorentina, who had come close to finalising a deal for the 22-year-old after agreeing personal terms with the player.
As earlier reported by Footy-Africa, Fiorentina had reached an agreement with Poku on a contract structured around an initial loan followed by a three-year permanent deal. The Italian club were also working to conclude the agreement with Bayer Leverkusen.
However, Beşiktaş have now made a late intervention and convinced both Poku and Leverkusen to change the direction of the transfer.
The Turkish club have agreed an initial loan with an option to buy, while Poku has agreed personal terms on a deal that would keep him at Beşiktaş for up to five years if the transfer becomes permanent.
A source close to Poku’s camp said Beşiktaş Football Technical and Scouting Director Eduard Graf played a major role in the turnaround.
“Graf was very important in this. He spoke directly with Ernest and explained the project at Beşiktaş to him. He made Ernest understand that the club really wants him and believes in his qualities,” the source said.
“He also assured Ernest that he would be taken care of very well at Beşiktaş. That was important for Ernest because he wanted to know that he was going somewhere he would be supported, given the right conditions and allowed to develop.”
The source added: “Graf knows the German market very well and used his connections to push the negotiations with Leverkusen. Beşiktaş moved quickly, and Ernest felt this was the right project for him.”
Poku is expected in Istanbul on Wednesday to undergo his medical before completing the move.
Ernest Poku gives Fiorentina green light as Leverkusen talks continue
The forward made 29 appearances for Leverkusen last season, scoring five goals and providing seven assists.
