Why Besiktas Were Forced to Cancel Transfer For England International After Dodging Medical

Besiktas have been forced to cancel their expected transfer move for the former Tottenham defender after he failed to show up in Istanbul for his medical.

Controversy has erupted in Istanbul after Besiktas officially pulled out of a deal to sign Kyle Walker-Peters. The English right-back failed to travel to Turkey for his scheduled medical, forcing the club to abandon the move.

Walker-Peters, who left Southampton as a free agent this summer, had reportedly agreed personal terms with the Turkish giants. However, Beşiktaş revealed that the former Tottenham man repeatedly requested to delay his arrival in Istanbul due to unspecified "personal issues."

The delays tested the club’s patience, and Besiktas announced they are moving on and continuing their transfer plans “in line with the policy it has determined.”

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Premier League Interest Behind His U-Turn?

Reports suggest Walker-Peters may have received a late offer from an English club, prompting his hesitance to commit to Beşiktaş. Despite the initial agreement, the 27-year-old failed to follow through with the next step—his medical.

Walker-Peters spent five and a half seasons at Southampton, initially joining on loan from Tottenham in January 2020 before completing a £12 million permanent switch. He went on to make 202 appearances for the Saints—more than any other player at the club during that period.

Last season, he started 35 Premier League games but couldn't prevent Southampton from suffering a historic relegation, securing just 12 points and equaling one of the worst records in Premier League history.

The right-back has also earned two senior England caps, both in 2022, and was widely expected to remain in the Premier League.

Besiktas issued a statement confirming their decision:

“It is public knowledge that the arrival of professional football player Kyle Walker-Peters, who we had previously announced had reached an agreement in principle and been invited to Istanbul for a medical check-up, has been postponed.

"Kyle Walker-Peters has once again requested additional time in his notice to us today.

"Thereupon, our club gave up the transfer of the player in question. Our club continues its transfer activities in line with the policy it has determined.”

With Walker-Peters now off the table, Beşiktaş may shift their focus to other options, including Portuguese full-back Nélson Semedo, who is a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Wolves.

So far, Beşiktaş have secured the signings of Orkun Kökçü, David Jurasek, and Tammy Abraham ahead of the new season.