When Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took on the role of “Eagle of the North” at Besiktas, optimism rose among the supporters. A convincing win against Athletic Club the week into a new job, several league wins in a row, a win against unbeaten Galatasaray and a delicious win against Fenerbahce and an angry Mourinho, show that Besiktas with Solskjaer at the helm have the potential for something big. Nevertheless, unnecessary losses in the league prevented Besiktas from reaching their goal of 3rd place. Two former stars in particular were heavily criticized by the Turkish media. One left Besiktas earlier this summer, now the other is also finished.
Serie A legend Ciro Immobile struggled to keep up with the pace of Solskjaer football, one year before his contract expired, the striker disappeared back to Serie A and Bologna. Former Liverpool player Aiex Oxlade-Chamberlain joined Besiktas on a free transfer in 2023 as one of the club’s highest-paid players, but he too will have to give way to bring in the necessary reinforcements.
READ: Real Madrid gears up, prepares a €150 million signing
According to several Turkish media, Besiktas and the 31-year-old have agreed to end their work stay. With him out the door, the Englishman will take home £1.2 million for the “inconvenience”, a clear signal of how eager the Besiktas management is to remove “Ox” from the squad and wage budget.
Solskjaer used the former Liverpool player mostly in the starting eleven when he was injury-free, but the deliveries to “Ox” drew strong criticism from the Turkish media and pundits. Now it’s home to England for the 31-year-old and Solskjaer gets new energy.
Read on English Clubs: Manchester United turn to ‘world’s best club’ for disgruntled striker
