Southampton star linked with shock immediate exit

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 11: Moussa Djenepo and Lyanco Vojnovic of Southampton after their sides 2-0 win during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Southampton v Manchester City at St Mary's Stadium on January 11, 2023 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 11: Moussa Djenepo and Lyanco Vojnovic of Southampton after their sides 2-0 win during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Southampton v Manchester City at St Mary's Stadium on January 11, 2023 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)

Besiktas could open talks with Southampton over a late deal for Moussa Djenepo in the coming days, according to Turkish daily Takvim.

Djenepo was a regular starter for the Saints at the start of the 2022-23 season. However, he has since found his playing time limited at St. Mary’s.

The attacker has clocked just 51 minutes of Premier League action after the FIFA World Cup break. He was also left out of three of the team’s last seven matchday squads in the top-flight.

Djenepo could now be on his way out of Hampshire almost a month after the winter transfer window closed in most European countries. A move to Turkey could still be on the cards for him.

According to the aforementioned source, Besiktas have revived their interest in the Mali international. They were notably linked with a move for the Southampton man last month.

The Super Lig giants are said to be keen to terminate Georges-Kevin N’Koudou’s contract and bring in a new winger. Djenepo appears to be their preferred target.

Besiktas will reportedly approach Southampton over a potential deal for the 24-year-old if they part ways with N’Koudou. It is unclear whether they want the Malian on loan or on a permanent deal.

Southampton’s Djenepo wanted by Besiktas before the end of the window

The winter transfer window in Turkey was supposed to slam shut earlier this month. However, the deadline has since been shifted following the recent earthquakes in the country.

Super Lig clubs thus have until 5th March to get transfer deals across the line. Djenepo could thus still leave Southampton if things fall into place.

It remains to be seen if the Saints will sanction a move for the winger at this point in the season. Sitting bottom of the Premier League table, they are pushing hard to avoid relegation.

Despite his reduced involvement in recent weeks, Djenepo could still have a role to play in the club’s bid to battle relegation.