Turkish club Besiktas has publicly pulled the plug on a deal for free agent defender Kyle Walker-Peters after the player reportedly requested additional time to make a decision. The dramatic turn of events, announced directly by the club, leaves the former Southampton man back on the market just weeks before the new season begins.
The transfer was believed to be in its final stages, with Besiktas having previously stated they had reached an “agreement in principle” with the 28-year-old and had invited him to Istanbul for a medical. However, the club confirmed the deal was off in a public statement released on Friday.
READ: Galatasaray Considers Chelsea Striker as Osimhen Alternative in Ambitious Transfer Strategy
“Kyle Walker-Peters has once again requested additional time in his notification to us today,” the statement read. “Thereupon, our club has cancelled the transfer of the footballer in question. Our club continues its transfer activities in line with the policy it has determined. We respectfully submit for the information of the public.”
The move could open the door for Walker-Peters to join West Ham according to Claret and Hugh.
The swift and public nature of the announcement suggests a sense of frustration from the Turkish side, who appear unwilling to wait any longer for the two-time England international’s final decision.
Walker-Peters, who is available on a free transfer after his contract with Southampton expired, has established himself as a versatile and reliable Premier League defender capable of playing on both the right and left flanks. After spending five years at Southampton and seven with Tottenham, he has been weighing his options for the next step in his career.
With the 2025/26 season on the horizon, the full-back must now find a new club, while Besiktas has pivoted to focus on other transfer targets.
