Rising Premier League giants Aston Villa have offered Alex Moreno on loan to Besiktas in a part-exchange deal to sign 18-year-old Turkish attacking sensation Semih Kilicsoy.
According to an update from Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu, Semih Kilicsoy is the subject of interest from Aston Villa. The Turkish attacking sensation is also a target for Fulham in this summer’s transfer window. However, the Villans have made their move to land the youngster, offering Alex Moreno on loan in a part-exchange offer, with Besiktas rejecting the bid.
The rise of Semih Kilicsoy
Semih Kilicsoy has established himself as one of Europe’s best young attacking prospects in the last 12 months. The Turk is in his second stint with Besiktas, rejoining the Black Eagles from Arnavutköy Yayla Spor in 2016. Since then, he has gone from strength to strength and broke into the first-team squad in February 2023.
The 18-year-old made considerable progress in the 2023/24 season, amassing over 2,000 minutes of game time across 35 appearances in all competitions while contributing to 15 goals by finding the back of the net 12 times and providing three assists. In addition, Kilicsoy has broken into his national team, making three appearances thus far for Turkiye.
Meanwhile, Semih Kilicsoy’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs. A move to the Premier League might be on the cards in the summer transfer window, with Aston Villa and Fulham vying for the signature of the Turkish international.
Premier League move on the horizon?
Aston Villa’s interest in Semih Kilicsoy is understandable. The Villans have been scouring the market for a striker heading into the summer transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term future of Jhon Duran. Kilicsoy is thus a viable target, with Aston Villa offering a part-exchange deal to sign him. Alex Moreno would have joined Besiktas on loan had the Turkish giants accepted the bid.
As for Fulham, the Cottagers have been keen on signing a dependable striker since Aleksandar Mitrovic created a gaping hole in the offensive department after joining Al-Hilal last summer. While Rodrigo Muniz stepped up in the final weeks of the 2023/24 season, Fulham can do with another centre-forward. Kilicsoy is thus an option worth considering, with Fulham lining up an official bid to sign him.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa’s bid of €18 million plus Alex Moreno on loan did not do the trick, with Besiktas rejecting the proposal. So, Fulham will have the opportunity to steal a march on the West Midlands club. It will be interesting to see where the 18-year-old Turkish attacking sensation plies his trade in the 2024/25 season.
