Ernest Poku, Besiktas and Bayer Leverkusen
27 August 2026
Besiktas have officially signed Bayer Leverkusen forward Ernest Poku on loan for the season. The 22-year-old could join permanently for around €25 million if specified criteria are met, after Fiorentina’s earlier attempt to sign him failed.
Poku had already stopped training with Leverkusen as negotiations accelerated before the move became official. He leaves Germany temporarily after one season, having recorded five goals and eight assists across 45 appearances in domestic and European competitions.