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Besiktas head Serdal Adali on Tuesday announced a major real estate initiative designed to eliminate the club’s debt and restructure its finances, alongside plans for a squad overhaul ahead of the new football season.
Speaking at a press conference at Tupras Stadium, Adali said the club has partnered with the state-backed real estate developer Emlak Konut to build a mixed-use project on a 15-acre site in Istanbul’s central Dikilitas district.
“This is the most important project in the history of our club,” Adali said, estimating the venture could generate up to $200 million in revenue.
He stated that the proceeds will be used to fully repay Besiktas’s debt to the Turkish Banks Association within six months and put the club on a path toward financial independence.
“We are not selling off club property. We are investing in its future,” he added.
In addition to the Dikilitas project, Adali announced that Besiktas will lease its historic Akaretler headquarters to an international hotel chain, which is expected to generate around €4 million ($4.56 million) in annual income. The club also plans to build a new training facility near Istanbul Airport.
Adali also discussed the club’s transfer strategy, confirming that several senior players are likely to depart.
He noted that negotiations are ongoing with striker Ciro Immobile, who may either accept a lower salary or be transferred. “Either way, we will bring in a new striker,” he said.
Midfielder Gedson Fernandes has attracted attention, though no formal offers have been received. Adali emphasized that Besiktas will not consider a sale until it acquires 100% ownership of his rights.
Veteran midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is also expected to leave. “His agent has contacted us. We’re working on a transfer,” Adali said.
Rising star Semih Kilicsoy, regarded as one of Türkiye’s top prospects, is drawing interest from European clubs. However, Adali stressed the club's preference to keep him.
“We will only consider a loan to support his development. A permanent transfer is not on the table,” he said.
Full-backs Arthur Masuaku and Jonas Svensson could also leave, depending on whether suitable replacements are secured. Meanwhile, Salih Ozcan of Borussia Dortmund is among the domestic players the club is targeting to meet league-mandated Turkish player quotas.
Adali concluded by stating that any player unwilling to fully commit to Besiktas “will not remain in the squad, regardless of their salary or status.”
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