Ernest Poku leaves Bayer Leverkusen, joins Beşiktaş on loan
Quick summary
Ernest Poku has departed Bayer Leverkusen and joined Turkish Süper Lig side Beşiktaş on a loan deal.
Full article
Attributed to original sourcePoku , who joined Bayer Leverkusen ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, could complete a permanent transfer to Beşiktaş if certain conditions are met.
Upon the announcement, Leverkusen's managing director for sport Simon Rolfes said, "Ernest Poku has made a name for himself in Germany and across Europe as a fast attacker. His performances in the Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League have made an impression. With his footballing profile, Ernest has everything it takes to establish himself in Besiktas's high-quality squad."
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What happened
Bayer Leverkusen have allowed forward Ernest Poku to leave the club, with the player heading to Beşiktaş in the Turkish Süper Lig on a loan arrangement. The move allows the Bundesliga side to trim their squad while giving Poku an opportunity to secure regular first-team minutes in a different league. Beşiktaş, one of Turkey's most prominent clubs, add a young attacker to their ranks ahead of the new season. The deal is structured as a temporary move, meaning Poku could return to Leverkusen in the future.
Chance analysis
A loan exit for a squad player is rarely headline-grabbing, but it does highlight Bayer Leverkusen's continued squad management under Xabi Alonso as they balance depth with development opportunities. For Beşiktaş, bringing in a Bundesliga-trained forward signals an ambition to reinforce their attacking options with a player accustomed to top-level European football. Poku will be looking to reignite his career with regular minutes, and his performances in Turkey could determine whether Leverkusen see him as part of their long-term plans or opt to move him on permanently.
Leverkusen lose a squad attacker on loan; Beşiktaş gain a Bundesliga-trained forward for the upcoming Süper Lig season.