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Besiktas midfielder Demir Ege Tiknaz is emerging as one of the brightest names in the club’s pre-season camp in Austria.
The 20-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Portuguese side Rio Ave, is seen as a strong contender for a first-team role this year.
Head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has reportedly compared the young talent to Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets—a comparison Tiknaz welcomed.
The Norwegian coach is said to value Tiknaz’s calmness on the ball and his ability to launch quick attacks from midfield.
Though he mainly plays in the No. 8 role, Tiknaz has shown strong technical skills, especially in dribbling and game distribution. Solskjaer, who favors fast transitions to the opponent’s goal, sees Tiknaz as a key asset in his tactical setup.
Solskjaer is also reportedly assigning individual sessions to help the player improve his positioning and decision-making.
The coaching team believes Tiknaz has the potential to become a long-term pillar in Besiktas’s midfield.
Born on Aug. 17, 2004, in Kadikoy, Istanbul, Demir Ege Tiknaz is a versatile right-footed midfielder who can play as a No. 6 or No. 8.
He signed his first professional contract with Besiktas in 2021 and spent the 2024–25 season on loan at Rio Ave in Portugal.
In 2025, he extended his deal with Besiktas until 2028 and was also called up to the Türkiye senior national team.
Known for his leadership, confidence, and two-way playing style, Tiknaz is considered one of the most exciting young talents in Turkish football.
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