West Brom midfielder Okay Yokuslu has been linked with a return to his home nation with both Besiktas and Trabzonspor this summer, and ex-Baggies midfielder Carlton Palmer would be disappointed to see the Türkiye international depart The Hawthorns this summer.
Yokuslu was a key player for West Bromwich Albion last season, making 44 appearances in the Championship as they reached the play-off semi-final.
The 30-year-old was an important part of West Brom boss Carlos Corberan’s system, operating at the base of the midfield alongside Alex Mowatt, where his ability to break up play and contribute to the build-up made him an influential player for the Baggies.
He has enjoyed two spells at The Hawthorns, having been on loan at the Midlands outfit in the Premier League during the 2020/21 season before returning on a permanent basis with the club in the Championship in 2022.
Yokuslu was part of the Turkey squad that was knocked out of Euro 2024 in the quarter-final by the Netherlands on Saturday.
He made three appearances for his country at the tournament, and will now be thinking about where he is going to be playing next season.
And a move that could happen is a return to his home nation this summer, after talks were reportedly arranged between West Brom and Besiktas in recent days.
Turkish publication Sports Digitale reported that a three-year deal is being discussed for the midfielder with Besiktas, while the Express & Star recently confirmed that Yokuslu’s former club Trabzonspor are keen on a reunion with the midfield enforcer.
Carlton Palmer urges West Brom to keep hold of Okay Yokuslu amid Besiktas talks
Former Baggies player Carlton Palmer has told FLW that losing Yokuslu would be disappointing for West Brom and Corberan, as he highlighted the midfielder’s quality.
Palmer exclusively said when speaking to Football League World: “Disappointing news coming out of The Hawthorns, that Okay Yokuslu is linked with a move away.
“It is reported that negotiations between West Brom and Besiktas for the transfer of Yokuslu are at the final stages.
“It is a disappointing one for West Bromwich Albion, he’s been very instrumental for West Brom in the past, you’ve seen his quality, the 30-year-old reminded everybody.
“He hasn’t started any games for Türkiye in the European Championship, but he has come on and showed what quality he has got.
“This will be disappointing for the supporters and disappointing for Carlos Corberan.
“It’s clear to see the quality of his play, but given his age, given his Turkish roots and descendance, I suppose West Brom will understand him wanting to take this opportunity to go and play for Besiktas.
“He featured in 44 matches for Albion last season, reached the Championship play-offs before losing to eventual winners Southampton in the semi-final.
“It’s disappointing, but I think that just looking at his age and giving him a longer contract, it’s one of those that’s always difficult.
“It’s believed that a deal is imminent for him to go. I’m sure Carlos Corberan, with his undoubted quality, will miss him, but will be looking to bring in some younger players with younger legs.”
West Brom will find it hard to source an Okay Yokuslu replacement
If Yokuslu does depart The Hawthorns, as it seems he will, then West Brom will need to find a suitable replacement, especially considering Yann M’Vila has already been released by the club this summer.
The Baggies have brought in 23-year-old midfielder Ousmane Diakite from Austrian side TSV Hartberg, but given he is unproven in a top league like Yokuslu was when he arrived, they will surely need to delve into the transfer market for another option in the middle of the pitch.
As Palmer suggested, Corberan will likely be looking to identify a younger midfielder as he attempts to adequately replace Yokuslu, whether that be through the loan market or signing someone permanently.
Following the takeover of Shilen Patel’s consortium earlier in the year though, West Brom look to be a more attractive prospect for signings, and the model looks to be very clear from the additions of Diakite and Torbjørn Heggem – players who can still improve at their age and could potentially be sold on for profit down the line.
