Brandon Williams has been without a club since leaving Manchester United, but the defender may have a familiar face to thank if he is given the chance to resurrect his career.
Certain paths are more difficult to travel than most and that has certainly been true for Williams, who now finds himself facing a make-or-break summer to save his career.
Back in 2019, it seemed like the left-back would buck the trend when he broke onto the scene under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and won over fans and staff alike.
However, his United trajectory failed to hit the same heights as the likes of Marcus Rashford, with first-team minutes quickly becoming hard to come by.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer keen on a reunion with Brandon Williams
Even loan spells to Norwich City and Ipswich Town failed to help Williams find his feet, and soon after he was let go by Manchester United.
May having just violated his contract, Williams spent last season without a club and considered walking away from the game before even celebrating his 25th birthday.
The Daily Mail has reported that Solskjaer, now in charge of Besiktas, is interested in offering Williams a lifeline.
Solskjaer has made a solid start to life in Turkiye, picking up 12 wins in 22 games, and recently agreed a deal to sign striker Tammy Abraham from Roma.
Williams spoke highly of Solskjaer earlier this year, saying United should never have moved on from the Norwegian, and Besiktas could now be the place where he finds his feet again.
Besiktas finished the season strong, closing the campaign with an 11-match undefeated run that included eight victories as they aim to push into the Turkish title picture in the coming year.
Brandon Williams could join forces with Christian Eriksen
Williams may not be the only former Manchester United player heading to Besiktas, with reports also linking the club to Christian Eriksen.
Although Eriksen did not play under Solskjaer at Old Trafford, a move could bring him together with another familiar face from his United days.
Still just 32, Eriksen has spent extended time on the bench over the last two years and has left the club searching for a fresh start this summer.
The midfielder had been linked with China and Norway but could instead be set to link up with Williams under Erik ten Hag’s predecessor.
There is plenty to play out, with Solskjaer clearly looking to go down the English pathway as Besiktas chase their first Turkish title in a decade.
But with the club unbeaten in 11 straight games to end last season, there is optimism that the right additions could finally push them over the line.
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