Bayer Leverkusen have offloaded Ernest Poku to Beşiktas on an initial one-year loan that could become permanent, according to the Bundesliga club's announcement, as the Werkself continue to reshape their attacking options.
The Turkish club will pay a €3 million loan fee for the 22-year-old Dutch winger, with a further €20 million obligation to buy triggered under certain conditions. The arrangement would see Leverkusen more than double their money on a player they recruited from AZ Alkmaar for €10 million only last summer.
The Hamburg-born forward contributed five goals and eight assists in 45 competitive appearances during his single season in Germany, operating primarily from wide positions but also filling in across the front line.
Bayer sporting director Simon Rolfes praised Poku's impact and backed him to thrive in Istanbul.
"Ernest Poku has made a good name for himself as a fast attacker in Germany and also in Europe. His appearances in the Bundesliga and also in the Champions League have made an impression. With his footballing profile, Ernest brings everything with him to assert himself at Beşiktas in a high-quality squad," Rolfes said.
Poku had previously developed into one of the Eredivisie's most exciting young talents at AZ, where his pace and direct running caught the eye of several major European clubs. His move to Leverkusen was seen as a step up, though increased competition for places following the arrival of Alfonso Moreira has limited his opportunities in recent months. The Netherlands Under-21 international has 21 caps and five goals at that level.
Poku's departure is not the only exit Leverkusen are working on. Arthur, the 23-year-old Brazilian right-back, is also expected to leave on loan before the window shuts, according to kicker.
Both Hamburg SV and Werder Bremen have been mentioned as possible destinations for Arthur, who joined from América Mineiro for around €7 million in 2023 but has struggled with injuries during his time in Germany. The former Brazil Under-20 international has made 44 Bundesliga appearances for Leverkusen and was part of the squad that won the Bundesliga title unbeaten in 2023-24, though he has found regular minutes hard to come by.
However, the trail to Werder has cooled, with DeichStube suggesting a move to the Weser-Stadion is unlikely despite Bild claiming the Green-Whites made initial enquiries. Werder have already been linked with two other Leverkusen defenders, Tim Oermann and Jeanuël Belocian, as they hunt for right-sided reinforcements.
Leverkusen recently extended Arthur's contract until 2031, indicating they still see long-term value in the player even if a temporary departure suits all parties this summer.