West Bromwich Albion midfielder Okay Yokuslu is wanted back in his home country, giving the club one more chance to cash in on him this summer, according to the latest reports.
The Turkey international moved to The Hawthorns on loan for the second half of the 2020/21 campaign when the Baggies were still in the Premier League under the guidance of former Sunderland, Leeds United and Blackburn Rovers boss Sam Allardyce. However, despite some solid displays in the middle of the park, Yokuslu failed to keep the West Midlands outfit in the top-flight and eventually returned to his parent club Celta Vigo.
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Nevertheless, after remaining in Galicia for another season, Yokuslu re-joined West Brom on a permanent basis in the summer of 2022, penning a three-year deal. While the club never managed to return to the top tier of English football, the defensive midfielder became a fan favourite, earning the players’ Player of the Year award for the 2022/23 campaign.
It was reported back in September when the summer window was drawing to a close that European giants Galatasaray were keen to bring him back to the Turkish Super Lig, but his agent, Batur Altıparmak, admitted that his client was happy at West Bromwich Albion under head coach Carlos Corberan.
“Some Turkish clubs also asked about the situation, but we did not accept unless there was an extraordinary situation. We are determined to continue our football life in England.”
However, Turkish outlet HaberTS revealed during the recent January transfer window that Yokuslu had become a top target for Trabzonspor and would likely leave West Brom before the winter market closed at the beginning of February.
Nevertheless, a deal never came to fruition but Sports Digitale are now reporting that Trabzonspor are set to try again to sign the 30-year-old who has entered into the final 12 months of his contract with the Baggies. This is the club’s final chance to sell him before potentially losing the defensive-minded player for free at the end of the 2024/25 season. Additionally, Yokuslu boasts a market value of £2.5 million, as per Transfermarkt.
Writer’s View
It seems likely that West Bromwich Albion will sell the experienced midfielder this summer. Yokuslu was a key player under Corberan last season, making 48 appearances in all competitions but the club risk losing him for nothing in a year if they fail to cash in before the transfer window shuts in August.
Furthermore, the new ownership have already allowed the likes of Matt Phillips, Erik Pieters, Yann M’Vila, Martin Kelly, Nathaniel Chalobah and Adam Reach to leave the club this summer as they are looking to reduce the squad’s average age. Now on the wrong side of 30, Yokuslu could be the next out the door.
