Besiktas signs Colombian midfielder Elan Ricardo
Colombian footballer Elan Ricardo arrives in Istanbul, Turkiye on February 11, 2025. Besiktas has reached a preliminary agreement with the player and his club, CD La Equidad, for the transfer of him. (AA Photo)
Besiktas has officially announced the signing of 20-year-old Colombian midfielder Elan Ricardo.
In a statement made by the club, Besiktas welcomed Ricardo, stating: “Welcome to Besiktas, Elan Ricardo. Our club has signed a contract with the Colombian midfielder. We are confident that Elan Ricardo will make significant contributions to our club. We welcome him to the Besiktas family and wish him great success with our prestigious jersey.”
Elan Ricardo’s early career, move to Besiktas
Elan Ricardo, born Elan Joseph Ricardo Ochoa in 1995 in Barranquilla, Colombia, is a promising young midfielder who has gained attention for his performances in the Colombian league.
With a swift rise in his career, Ricardo made the move to Besiktas in 2025, marking his debut in the Super Lig. Ricardo began his football journey in the youth categories of Colombian football, making his professional debut for La Equidad, one of Colombia’s well-known clubs.
His performances there quickly caught the attention of European clubs, leading to his move abroad. In 2025, Ricardo joined Besiktas in Turkiye, marking his first experience in a league outside his home country.
Coach Alexis Garcia’s assessment of Elan Ricardo
Alexis Garcia, the head coach of CD La Equidad, spoke highly of Ricardo’s abilities. Garcia emphasized Ricardo’s physical strength, technical skills, ball control, and his impressive ability to deliver both long and short passes.
He further compared the young midfielder to Luka Modric, noting his passing accuracy and vision on the field. “Elan Ricardo is a player with extraordinary technical skills,” said Garcia.
“He is strong, and his long-range and mid-range shots are particularly noteworthy. He stands out in his position as a central midfielder but can also play effectively in more advanced roles on the left or right.”
Comparison to Luka Modric
Garcia drew parallels between Ricardo and Luka Modric of Real Madrid, despite their physical differences.
While their physiques differ, Ricardo reminds me of Modric because of his exceptional passing and game vision,
Alexis Garcia, the head coach of CD La Equidad
Garcia explained. “Ricardo is more powerful and has a stronger shot, but his ability to distribute passes with confidence is similar to Modric’s. His future is very promising.”
Challenges of adapting to Besiktas, Türkiye
Garcia acknowledged the potential challenges Ricardo might face in adjusting to Besiktas and Turkiye.
“This kind of significant change can be difficult for such a young player,” he noted.
“However, the warmth of the people and the support from the club, along with his family’s presence, will play a key role in helping him adapt more quickly.”
Interest from other clubs
Garcia also revealed that Ricardo had attracted interest from several other clubs. “Ricardo was sought after by teams in various countries, including England,” he stated.
“He turned down an offer from Watford, and clubs from Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina were also interested in him.”
Besiktas’s signing of Elan Ricardo is expected to bring a fresh and exciting dynamic to their midfield, with the young Colombian talent showing great potential for the future.
