Bayer Leverkusen loan Ernest Poku to Beşiktaş as further exits under consideration | OneFootball

Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed Dutch forward Ernest Poku has joined Beşiktaş on a season-long loan. The 22-year-old departs after one year at the BayArena.

According to Kicker, Beşiktaş will pay a €3m loan fee and the deal includes a conditional €20m purchase obligation, with triggers undisclosed. Leverkusen are also expected to retain a sell-on percentage.

Signed from AZ Alkmaar last summer for around €10m, Poku was brought in to help cover Jeremie Frimpong’s move to Liverpool. He made 45 competitive appearances and scored five goals but did not secure a starting berth.

Poku arrived anticipating a chance to work under fellow Dutchman Erik ten Hag. The Netherlands U21 international, who is eligible for Germany, remains under contract until 2030.

His exit could be the first of several late moves as Leverkusen trim an overcrowded squad. Kicker reports Brazilian full-back Arthur is particularly likely to leave on loan, with Hamburger SV and Werder Bremen interested.

Leverkusen are still expected to add another right-back and centre-back Jarell Quansah could initially cover the role. Both HSV and Werder could offer Arthur more minutes.

Former captain Robert Andrich could also depart after slipping down the pecking order. Sky says RB Leipzig are monitoring him and value his experience, with no direct approach or concrete offer so far.

Jeanuël Belocian is attracting Bundesliga interest and Bayer will consider a loan or permanent sale, Kicker adds. Bild reports Al-Shabab have tabled a lucrative offer for Jonas Hofmann, who was an unused substitute against Wehen Wiesbaden.

Source: Get German Football News

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