West Ham United are again being linked with a move for Besiktas ace Oguzhan Ozyakup.
Besiktas midfielder Oguzhan Ozyakup
According to Turkish newspaper Fanatik, West Ham United are expected to make a move to sign Besiktas midfielder Oguzhan Ozyakup in the near future.
The Hammers have already made one signing this summer, landing Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta on a free transfer, but manager Slaven Bilic will be keen on further additions.
Bilic has already shown a tendency to target players he has already worked with, having signed Croatian striker Nikica Jelavic and Besiktas winger Gokhan Tore during his time in East London – though neither could really be classified as successes.
Regardless, Bilic has been regularly linked with a swoop to sign Besiktas midfielder Oguzhan Ozyakup, and Fanatik now claim that West Ham are expected to make a move in the near future.
Croatia’s Luka Modric in action with Turkey’s Oguzhan Ozyakup
Ozyakup, 24, was in the Arsenal ranks following a 2008 move from AZ Alkmaar, but he left for Besiktas in 2012 having played just two games for the Gunners – and his move to Turkey has been huge for his career.
The playmaker has notched 27 goals and 41 assists in 181 games for Besiktas, whilst he has also racked up 25 caps for the Turkish national team as well.
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic
A move back to London could be appealing to Ozyakup, as may reuniting with Bilic, having spent two successful years working under him at Besiktas – but it would ask questions of West Ham’s midfield.
A creative midfield player, Ozyakup could play deeper in Mark Noble’s position, or pushed into a No. 10 role – and that would mean shoving Manuel Lanzini out wide, when he may be better centrally, meaning Bilic would have big decision to make if he did land a favourite of his in Ozyakup.
Would you like to see West Ham sign Ozyakup?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
