Rio Ave Plans to Use €5M Clause for Demir Ege Tıknaz Amid Interest

Portuguese club Rio Ave will use their €5m purchase option for Turkish midfielder Demir Ege Tıknaz, but they plan to sell him immediately for profit due to growing interest.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Besiktas official Serdal Adalı confirmed that Rio Ave will activate a €5m clause to sign 20-year-old Turkish midfielder Demir Ege Tıknaz permanently from Besiktas. Tıknaz was loaned to Rio Ave in September 2024, and his temporary deal will expire on June 30, 2025. The Portuguese club is impressed by the young talent’s performance this season and intends to secure him permanently. However, in a surprising move, Rio Ave already plans to sell him again to capitalize on his market value increase as soon as the summer transfer window opens.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

This season, Tıknaz has been a standout performer for Rio Ave, making 26 appearances, scoring two goals, providing two assists and receiving six yellow cards. The young midfielder, who turned 20 last August, has demonstrated his ability as a ball-winner who excels in progressing the ball forward and can effectively play in a box-to-box role. With a current market value estimated at €3.4-3.5 million, activating the €5 million clause was a strategic investment for Rio Ave, especially given the growing interest from larger clubs.

In addition to appearances for Turkey’s U21 team, the Turkish international has represented his country at various youth levels, making five appearances for the U21s. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with interest from multiple top Portuguese clubs, along with inquiries about the player from teams in the Bundesliga and Serie A.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR TIZNAK?

Although Rio Ave is currently in mid-table in the Primeira Liga, young star Tıknaz looks set for a quick move to a larger European club. With interest from several top Portuguese sides, as well as Bundesliga and Serie A suitors, a bidding war may ensue. With their decision to buy and then sell immediately, Rio Ave are demonstrating their shrewd transfer market business sense as they try to capitalise on the player’s performance in his first season in Portugal.

For Tıknaz personally, this is a great opportunity to potentially join a bigger European club. Having already proved himself during his loan spell away from Besiktas, his next destination is likely to offer higher standards of competition and possibly European tournament football. His ball-winning and progressive play traits have piqued the interest of scouts from several leagues.