Beşiktaş weigh move for Super Eagles star but face foreign player dilemma

Beşiktaş are keeping close tabs on Southampton striker Paul Onuachu as they look to bolster their attacking options in the winter transfer window, Soccernet.football reports.

The Turkish giants have held discussions over a potential move for the Nigerian forward, but no official bid has been submitted yet.

Club president Serdal Adalı is set to hold decisive talks with Beşiktaş’s newly appointed technical director, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, before making a final decision on whether to proceed with the transfer, as per Haberler.

The Norwegian’s input could be crucial in determining whether the Super Lig side makes a formal approach for the 30-year-old striker.

Foreign quota key to Beşiktaş’s transfer plans

Beşiktaş are actively working to restructure its squad following their early elimination from the UEFA Europa League. Their priority remains reducing the number of foreign players currently on their books before bringing in new signings.

While Onuachu remains a key target, the club must first offload some of its existing overseas players to comply with squad regulations.

The club made its first contact regarding Onuachu’s availability 15 days ago. President Adalı acknowledged Beşiktaş’s interest in the towering forward but admitted that a sale must be completed first before they can finalise any deal.

“Yes, we are interested in the player,” Adalı said. “But before making a move, we need to balance our squad.”

Despite holding multiple discussions with Southampton, talks have yet to progress to the stage of an official bid. The transfer remains in limbo, with Beşiktaş needing to create space in their squad and assess financial conditions before making a formal approach.

With Southampton still aiming to avoid relegation from the Premier League, Onuachu’s future remains uncertain.

However, a final decision on his potential move will only come after Adalı meets with Solskjaer. The Norwegian manager’s stance on Onuachu’s role at Southampton will heavily influence whether the Saints sanction a deal.

For now, Beşiktaş remains interested, but with no formal bid tabled and foreign player restrictions in play, Onuachu’s future hangs in the balance.