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Besiktas secure Dutch-Ghanaian winger Ernest Poku on loan from Leverkusen

Dutch-Ghanaian winger Ernest Poku has joined Besiktas from Leverkusen on loan, completing a move to the Turkish Super Lig club at the age of 22.

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The right winger’s deal runs until 30 June 2027, with the transfer taking him from the Bundesliga to Istanbul for the 2026-27 season. Poku is contracted to return to Leverkusen at the end of the loan.Born in Hamburg, Poku represents the Netherlands and also has Ghanaian nationality.

He stands 1.76m tall and is naturally right-footed, giving Besiktas another option on the flank as they strengthen their attacking resources.Poku moved to Leverkusen from AZ Alkmaar in August 2025 in a deal worth €10m.

He had progressed through the Dutch club’s youth system before making the step into its senior squad, having joined AZ from FC Amsterdam’s youth set-up in 2019.

His development at AZ included a UEFA Youth League title with the club’s Under-19 side in the 2022-23 season. He also won the Dutch Under-19 Youth Cup in 2023 with AZ’s Under-18 team.

Poku’s first campaign with Leverkusen preceded his temporary switch to Besiktas. His current record for the 2026-27 DFB-Pokal campaign shows no appearances, starts, goals or assists before the move to Turkey.

The transfer gives Poku an opportunity to continue his career in the Super Lig while remaining tied to Leverkusen. Besiktas have secured his services for the season, and the agreement sets 30 June 2027 as the end of the loan spell.

Poku has therefore completed his move from Leverkusen to Besiktas and will continue his career in Turkey on loan.