Besiktas Move for Kyle Walker-Peters Accelerates After Southampton Departure

Besiktas are close to signing Kyle Walker-Peters as he becomes a free agent after leaving Southampton. The Turkish team hope to quickly agree terms for the defender as he looks set to become their next big signing.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Walker-Peters has been a starter for Southampton throughout his spell at St Mary’s, but the club confirmed earlier this summer that he would leave after his contract expired. After making 202 appearances in his time with the Saints, Besiktas hope to boost their squad by bringing in the 28-year-old.

According to a previous report, Walker-Peters made a total of 202 appearances for Southampton.

WALKER-PETERS’ IMPACT

Walker-Peters has played a key role in Southampton’s recent success as he helped them win promotion to the Premier League under Ruben Selles in the 2023-24 season. He was left out of the squad amid contract uncertainty and illness towards the end of last term, but returned to make five starts to try and help the Saints avoid relegation, although he was unsuccessful at it. Besiktas finished fourth in the Turkish top-flight last season and hope Walker-Peters can help them close the gap to leaders Galatasaray.

A previous report confirmed that Besiktas finished fourth in the Super Lig last season.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Besiktas have two warm-up matches before they kick off their Super Lig campaign against Konyaspor, as they try to close the 24-point gap to champions Galatasaray last season. Meanwhile, Walker-Peters is targeting regular game time after his premature exits from Southampton and he will be hoping that will be the case in Turkey, especially with the club eyeing a return to the Champions League after failing to finish in the top three last season.

Besiktas is looking forward to its upcoming fixtures in the Super Lig, striving to improve their standing after finishing fourth last season.