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Besiktas has made an official loan offer to Portuguese side Vitoria Guimaraes for defensive midfielder Tomas Handel, with an option to buy set at €20 million ($23.41 million), according to sources familiar with the deal.
The Istanbul-based club is seeking to reinforce its midfield ahead of the 2025/26 season. The proposal includes a one-year loan with the option to make the move permanent if the player meets expectations.
Tomas Romano Pereira dos Santos Handel was born on November 27, 2000, in Guimaraes, Portugal. Standing at 1.8 meters and left-footed, he is primarily deployed as a defensive midfielder.
He began his youth career with Moreirense FC before moving to the Vitoria SC academy, where he developed into a senior team regular. Since 2021, he has played in Portugal’s top division with Vitoria Guimaraes.
During the 2024/25 season, Handel appeared in 32 matches, scoring twice and providing one assist. He has also represented Portugal at the U21 level, earning three caps.
If the deal is finalized, Handel would become the fourth Portuguese player currently in Besiktas’s squad. The club already features Rafa Silva (attacking midfielder), Gedson Fernandes (central midfielder), and Joao Mario (winger/midfielder).
This trio has played pivotal roles in the team’s build-up play and attacking structure. Handel’s arrival would further deepen the club's Portuguese presence and offer added flexibility in midfield rotations.
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