What Besiktas’ president has said about a potential January move for Everton’s Cenk Tosun

Besiktas president Ahmet Nur Cebi has confirmed that the door remains open for Cenk Tosun to rejoin the club from Everton in January.

But the Turkish outfit may wait until next summer to swoop for the striker when he will be a free agent.

What’s been said

Tosun joined Everton from Besiktas for a reported fee of £27 million in January 2018.

However, he has endured a tough time on Merseyside, scoring only 11 times in 58 games.

Tosun returned to Besiktas on loan during last season's winter transfer window. He bagged three times in four matches before suffering a serious knee injury.

The 30-year-old has only just recovered from that setback, but has yet to feature in a match-day squad this term and is surplus to requirements at Goodison Park.

Out of contract at the end of the season, he's been heavily linked with a move back to Turkey.

And Nur Cebi has confirmed Besiktas remain admirers.

As per Turkish broadcaster Aspor, he said: “With regards to Cenk Tosun, you have my word. He is a football player who made money for our club.

“He suffered an unfortunate injury. I hope he returns well and very soon. We have promised him, he can [play for us] whenever he wants.

“For Kaan Ayhan, we will [make moves] when January comes.

“If we do make two transfers [in January], those will be Cenk and Kaan.

“[A move for] Cenk Tosun may also be in May. His contract is expiring [next summer].”

Tosun's situation

Tosun is fourth-choice striker at Everton.

He’s behind Richarlison, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and summer arrival Salomon Rondon in the pecking order.

Given the Blues have ample striking options, manager Rafa Benitez would likely be open to offloading Tosun in January to raise funds.

However, Besiktas are aware they could save cash by holding off on a move for Tosun until the end of the campaign.

Everton could agree to allow Tosun to leave in January on a free transfer to at least save on his wages.