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Besiktas, one of Türkiye’s most storied football clubs, has struggled to remain in the championship race despite major transfer spending in recent seasons. Over the past three years, the club brought in 40 new players at a total cost of approximately €141 million (about $162 million), yet the team has repeatedly fallen out of the league title race by November.
During this period, Besiktas added several players expected to shift the competitive balance. Two of the most notable arrivals this season were midfielder Orkun Kokcu and forward Tammy Abraham, signed for around €30 million and €15 million respectively.
However, despite these investments, on-field performances have not matched expectations, leading to rising frustration among supporters.
The latest disappointment came in the league derby against Fenerbahce. Besiktas took a 2-0 lead at home but eventually lost 3-2 after Kokcu received a red card for a challenge on an opposing player. It was his second dismissal in a short span, following a similar incident against Basaksehir, leaving the team one player short in both matches.
Kokcu, who holds the record as the club’s highest-fee transfer, expressed regret after the match and apologized to his teammates and the coaching staff. Besiktas President Serdal Adali spoke with Kokcu privately, telling him, "You are an elite-level player. This mistake should not have happened while the team was leading. You left your teammates and the supporters in a difficult position." The club has not yet clarified whether any disciplinary action will follow.
After 11 league matches, Besiktas sits at 17 points, trailing current league leader Galatasaray by 12 points. The growing gap has raised concerns among fans who had hoped that substantial transfer spending would support a long-term title challenge.
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