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Malian striker El Bilal Toure arrived in Istanbul on Monday with his agent, as Besiktas moved closer to finalizing a loan deal with Atalanta. The 23-year-old forward was greeted at the airport by club officials before heading to undergo medical checks.
Toure is expected to sign on loan from Atalanta, with Besiktas also considering a conditional purchase option.
Born on Oct. 3, 2001 in Adjamé, Ivory Coast, Toure chose to represent Mali at the international level. Standing 1.85 meters tall, he is known for his strength, speed and penalty-box presence.
Toure was also part of Mali’s U20 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad in 2019.
Analysts in Türkiye say Besiktas is gaining a versatile and athletic forward.
“He is not a pure striker, not a pure winger either — a mix of both,” said one commentator, noting his ability to stretch defenses, win aerial duels and create space for teammates. “His scoring record isn’t extraordinary, but he disrupts back lines and opens lanes.”
Others pointed to his experience across Europe’s top leagues as a major asset. “He has played in Ligue 1, La Liga, Serie A and the Bundesliga — rare for a 23-year-old. He’s strong, modern and clinical in the box,” another analyst said.
Still, his fitness remains the biggest question. Toure missed significant time in 2023 and 2024 due to injuries, including a thigh tendon issue and a metatarsal fracture.
“If he stays fit, Besiktas fans may finally see the goal-scorer they’ve been waiting for,” one expert added. “Healthy, he’s not just a striker — he’s a nightmare for defenders.”
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