Daniel Amartey axed by Besiktas amid transfer drama

Turkish club Besiktas have officially announced the termination of their contract with Ghanaian defender Daniel Amartey by mutual agreement, leaving the experienced 29-year-old available as a free agent. 

Amartey, who joined the club in 2023 on a two-year deal, is now free to sign with any team of his choice.

His departure follows a turbulent transfer saga involving the club. Besiktas had sought to offload the centre-back, who had one year remaining on his contract.

Complications emerged when Amartey reportedly refused to travel for potential transfers. Besiktas spokesperson Huseyin Yucel claimed that Amartey was only interested in a move to England, despite the transfer window having closed.

In response, Amartey dismissed these accusations as “untrue”.

A statement from Besiktas on Saturday confirmed: “The contract between our club and professional football player Daniel Amartey has been terminated by mutual agreement.”

With no appearances for Besiktas this season, Amartey is now free to seek opportunities elsewhere. He was a key part of Leicester City’s Premier League-winning squad in the 2015/16 season and has earned 55 caps for the Black Stars. His most recent national team appearance was at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire earlier this year.

Amartey’s transfer troubles have only added to his frustration. Despite the Turkish transfer window remaining open until 13 September, Besiktas have struggled to move the former Leicester City man, who made 145 appearances for the Foxes before moving to Istanbul.

Reports suggest the club received up to seven offers, but Amartey rejected all, holding out for a move to either England or Germany.

In a harsh statement, club spokesman Huseyin Yucel alleged: “Amartey is a strange person. We made an agreement with a team from Saudi Arabia, but he did not get on the plane.

We also agreed a deal with Eyupspor, but he escaped through the back door of our facilities. When we told him the transfer window was closed, he asked, ‘How will it close?'