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Besiktas head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer personally intervened in the club’s pursuit of Timo Werner, hoping to convince the German forward to join the Turkish giants ahead of the 2025–26 season.
Solskjaer reportedly called Werner—who spent the last 1.5 seasons on loan at Tottenham—to tell him that a move to Besiktas could help him return to his best form. The Norwegian manager emphasized his plans to build a competitive squad capable of contending both in the Super Lig and in Europe.
While Werner responded positively, telling Solskjaer he was open to the move, financial hurdles remain. RB Leipzig is asking for a €4 million ($4.69 million) transfer fee, and the player’s €8 million annual salary poses a major challenge. If the deal is completed on those terms, Werner would become the highest-paid player in the Besiktas squad.
The 29-year-old forward, who has seen his form decline in recent years, scored only three goals and added six assists in 41 appearances for Tottenham. Still, Besiktas believes he can be a key piece in their attacking setup, particularly in the left wing-forward role.
Solskjaer has made strengthening the left side of the pitch a priority and wants new signings ready in time for the team’s preseason training camp in Bad Erlach, Austria (July 4-18). The club begins its UEFA Europa League campaign with a second qualifying round match on July 24.
Timo Werner already had a memorable encounter with Besiktas supporters. On Sept. 26, 2017, in a UEFA Champions League Group G match at Vodafone Park, Besiktas defeated RB Leipzig 2–0 with goals from Ryan Babel and Anderson Talisca.
But the most unforgettable moment came in the 32nd minute, when a young Werner—clearly overwhelmed by the thunderous noise inside the stadium—covered his ears and asked to be substituted. The striker was replaced by Lukas Klostermann shortly after, citing discomfort caused by the intensity of the crowd.
The incident became symbolic of the passion and pressure created by Besiktas fans, often referred to as the club’s "12th man." Should the transfer materialize, Werner could soon find himself once again in the heart of Vodafone Park—this time, with the crowd behind him.
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