Arjun Menon
Wolverhampton Wanderers are edging closer to a January departure after reaching an agreement with Beşiktaş for defender Emmanuel Agbadou.
The centre-back has been heavily linked with a move to the Turkish giants in recent weeks and developments now suggest the deal is nearing completion.
Beşiktaş close in on Wolves defender
Beşiktaş have been actively searching for a new central defender following the departure of Gabriel Paulista, who returned to Brazil after mutually terminating his contract.
Agbadou quickly emerged as the Super Lig side’s primary target, with Fulham’s Issa Diop also considered but never progressing beyond initial discussions.
Last week, Agbadou’s agent was spotted arriving at an Istanbul airport to hold talks with Beşiktaş officials, further fuelling speculation surrounding the Wolves defender’s future.
The 28-year-old is believed to be open to the move, particularly with Wolves facing the prospect of relegation from the Premier League under Rob Edwards.
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Wolves accept Beşiktaş offer
According to Turkish outlet Sözcü, an agreement has now been reached between the two clubs, with Wolves accepting a transfer fee of €11.5 million.
Beşiktaş had initially explored a loan deal with a €15 million purchase option, but further negotiations resulted in a permanent transfer being agreed instead.
Previous reports suggested that Agbadou had already agreed personal terms with the Istanbul club, though full contract details have yet to be disclosed.
The defender is now expected to travel to Turkey, with his arrival anticipated as early as tomorrow or Wednesday. Final contractual details will be completed before he undergoes a medical.
AFCON delay and Wolves exit confirmed
The move had been temporarily delayed due to Ivory Coast’s involvement at the Africa Cup of Nations, where they were eliminated at the quarter-final stage by Egypt.
Agbadou has made 16 appearances for Wolves this season but has been unavailable for the past month due to international duty.
Although he remains under contract at Molineux until 2029, the defender now appears unlikely to see out that deal, with Beşiktaş set to provide him with a new chapter in his career.