Emerson Royal Set for Besiktas Move After Loan Deal with AC Milan

Emerson Royal is about to join Besiktas on loan from AC Milan. The deal includes a €10 million buy option. The Brazilian full-back will travel to Turkey soon, ending his short time at Milan.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Besiktas have a verbal agreement with AC Milan to take Emerson Royal on loan until June 2026. The deal includes an option to buy for €10 million. Only a few details are left before the 25-year-old defender heads to Istanbul. Emerson joined Milan last summer but played only 26 games last season, according to recent updates. Besiktas moved quickly once Emerson agreed to the transfer, hoping to boost their defense with his experience.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Both teams are gearing up for important seasons. Besiktas finished fourth in the Turkish Super Lig last season and secured a Europa League spot, positioning them for competition in Europe. They were 12 points behind champions Galatasaray and 4 points off second-placed Fenerbahçe. Their defense struggled, allowing 45 goals in 38 league games. Emerson Royal aims to fix this problem and help Besiktas compete for the title. AC Milan, after finishing eighth in Serie A last season and missing out on European competition, are revamping their team for domestic challenges in 2025-26. Emerson never secured a key role, so Milan want to sell players not in their future plans.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR BESIKTAS AND EMERSON?

Besiktas face Slovakian team DAC Dunajská Streda next week in the UEFA Conference League qualifier first leg. They open the new Turkish Super Lig season on August 9 against Sivasspor, who finished two spots below them last season. Emerson is set to join his new teammates soon and compete for a starting position under coach Fernando Santos. Strong performances could not only aid Besiktas in Europe but also revive Emerson’s Brazilian national team prospects.