Beşiktaş nears deals for three players, director Özen says

Beşiktaş Football Director Önder Özen revealed that the club is nearing the completion of three player transfers. "We are very close to the final for three players," Özen stated, indicating that agreements have been secured with two of them. For the third player, the club has agreed terms, and his personal contract is now awaited.

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We are very close to the final for three players. Two of these three players, we have reached an agreement. For one, we have agreed with his club, and we are waiting for an agreement with him.

Özen explained that the transfer process has been challenging due to the World Cup, which has dispersed club officials and players globally. He also mentioned difficulties in communication, noting his phone was unreachable for 10 days due to the intensity of negotiations, which often involved international calls and video conferences across different continents. "We are making dozens of calls. We are talking to the same people on the same day," he said, apologizing for the lack of updates.

He further elaborated that some transfer delays stem from management changes within other clubs. In one instance, a club is undergoing a change in ownership, causing a pause in negotiations. Özen expressed confidence in securing that player, stating, "The player is under our control. We can finalize it quickly."

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The World Cup makes things a bit difficult. Many club officials or those with signing authority are in the USA. Some of the players are there. There are also clubs on other continents. All clubs worldwide are divided into three or four groups due to the World Cup. That's why things are going slowly.

Looking ahead, Özen outlined a phased transfer plan. After the initial stage of securing key players, the focus will shift to strengthening squad depth. The final phase will involve assessing cost-benefit ratios for potential additional signings. He also confirmed that some current players are expected to leave, with offers being considered.

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The player is under our control. We can finalize it quickly.

Regarding the team's training camp in Slovakia, Özen noted that two players currently involved in the World Cup will not be able to join, although their contracts might be finalized in time.

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After the first stage is completed, the second stage will be to strengthen the team. We will make transfers for a wider rotation. In the final stage, we will move to the phase where cost and benefit can overlap. If we see that equation in our favor in the last part, we might make 1-2 moves.