Istanbul side steps up for Jean Onana: Beşiktaş open to permanent sale
Eyüpspor have reportedly taken concrete steps to sign Cameroonian midfielder Jean Onana, who is no longer part of Beşiktaş’s plans for the new season. The Istanbul club is said to be in direct contact with Beşiktaş regarding both the transfer fee and the overall financial framework of a potential deal.
Not in Beşiktaş’s plans
Within Beşiktaş, technical staff and management have decided that Onana will not feature in the squad planning for the upcoming campaign. The 26-year-old midfielder is among the players the club is prepared to move on in order to refresh the team and create room in the wage budget.
Rather than considering a loan, Beşiktaş are understood to prefer a permanent transfer and aim to secure a fee that reflects the player’s age and remaining potential. The expectation is to finalize a sale that benefits both the club’s finances and the player’s career trajectory.
Eyüpspor take the initiative
Among the teams monitoring the situation most closely, Eyüpspor have emerged as the leading candidate. The Istanbul outfit has already initiated talks with Beşiktaş, focusing on two main points: the transfer fee and the overall package that would be offered to Onana, including salary and bonuses.
Eyüpspor’s approach is described as the most serious and concrete so far. The club is reportedly ready to move quickly if an agreement can be reached on the fee and if the player gives the green light to the project being presented to him.
Transfer fee and financial terms on the table
Negotiations are believed to revolve around Beşiktaş’s desire to recoup a reasonable portion of their investment while not blocking the transfer over minor differences. Eyüpspor, on the other hand, are working within a carefully defined budget as they seek to strengthen their squad with players who can immediately raise the team’s level.
The discussions with Beşiktaş cover not only the upfront transfer fee, but also possible add-ons, performance-related bonuses and the structure of the payment schedule. For Eyüpspor, a balanced financial package is crucial in order to maintain stability while still making an ambitious move.
Three clubs in the race
Eyüpspor are not alone in the hunt for Onana. In addition to the Istanbul side, one other club from the Turkish Süper Lig and one team from abroad have also shown interest in the Cameroonian midfielder.
However, despite this three-way interest, Eyüpspor are currently seen as the club that has taken the most advanced steps. While the other two sides are still in the stage of gathering information and monitoring developments, Eyüpspor have already begun formal talks with Beşiktaş and are trying to position themselves ahead of their rivals.
Why Beşiktaş are ready to let him go
Beşiktaş’s intention to sell Onana outright is linked to broader squad restructuring. The club is looking to bring in new signings in key positions and needs both transfer income and salary space to execute its plans.
From a sporting perspective, coaches reportedly see a surplus of options in central midfield and believe that Onana’s profile overlaps with other players already in the squad. Rather than keeping him as a rotational option, the management would prefer a clean separation that allows the player to get more minutes elsewhere.
What Onana could bring to Eyüpspor
For Eyüpspor, Onana represents a chance to add top-flight experience and physical presence in the center of the pitch. Known for his athleticism, ball-winning ability and work rate, the 26-year-old could become a key piece in a more aggressive, high-intensity midfield setup.
His versatility also appeals to coaches: Onana can operate as a defensive midfielder, a box-to-box option or as part of a double pivot. In matches where Eyüpspor need to protect a lead or control the central zones against stronger opponents, his tackling and positional sense could prove invaluable.
Player’s perspective and next steps
From the player’s standpoint, a move to a club willing to give him a central role could be attractive, especially after being informed that he does not feature in Beşiktaş’s core plans. Regular playing time will be important for maintaining his form and staying on the radar of the Cameroonian national team setup.
The final decision is likely to rest on two key factors: the sporting project offered by each club and the financial package proposed to the player. If Eyüpspor can convince Onana that he will be a cornerstone of their midfield and match his expectations in terms of salary and contract length, the transfer could move quickly.
Strategic move for ambitious Eyüpspor
Eyüpspor’s interest in a player with the profile of Jean Onana underlines the club’s growing ambition. Targeting a midfielder from Beşiktaş signals that they are not content with mid-table objectives and are instead aiming to build a squad capable of competing more seriously in their league goals.
Adding a physically dominant, experienced central midfielder can also give balance to a squad that might already have technically gifted players in advanced areas. With a figure like Onana shielding the defense and initiating transitions, the team could become more compact and harder to break down.
Possible obstacles in the negotiations
Despite the positive signals, several hurdles could still delay or block the transfer. Beşiktaş’s valuation of Onana may initially differ from what Eyüpspor are prepared to pay, leading to prolonged negotiations or a search for compromise solutions such as bonuses or sell-on clauses.
Additionally, interest from another Süper Lig club and a foreign side could drive up the competition. If those clubs present better financial terms or a more attractive sporting project, Eyüpspor might be forced to revise their offer or risk losing the player.
How a deal could reshape Beşiktaş and Eyüpspor
If the transfer is completed, Beşiktaş would move one step further in their squad overhaul, freeing up budget for new signings and simplifying their midfield rotation. For Eyüpspor, landing a 26-year-old international-level midfielder could become one of the cornerstones of their season’s planning.
In practical terms, Onana’s arrival might allow Eyüpspor to adjust their tactical system, for example switching to a scheme that relies on more aggressive pressing and quicker transitions, knowing they have a midfielder capable of covering large areas of the pitch.
Outlook on the transfer
As things stand, Eyüpspor remain in pole position thanks to having taken the first formal steps and opened negotiations with Beşiktaş. The coming days and weeks will be decisive in determining whether the parties can close the gap on financial expectations and secure the player’s approval.
If an agreement is reached, Jean Onana could soon be preparing for a new chapter in Istanbul, this time wearing the colors of Eyüpspor and seeking to prove his value with consistent performances and a central role in his new team.