Newcastle United Targeting Besiktas Prodigy Semih Kilicsoy in Summer Striker Hunt
Newcastle United have set their sights on one of Turkish football’s most promising young talents, with reports indicating strong interest in Besiktas forward Semih Kilicsoy. As the Magpies prepare to bolster their attacking line-up during the upcoming summer transfer window, Kilicsoy has emerged as a prime target following a series of detailed scouting missions by the Tyneside club, according to sources close to Turkish-Football.
The 18-year-old attacker has been turning heads across Europe thanks to his impressive displays for Turkish giants Besiktas. Although he is naturally a central striker, Kilicsoy’s adaptability allows him to operate effectively on either flank, providing managers with tactical flexibility. His technical skill, agility, and instinctive goal-scoring ability have earned him comparisons to former Manchester City great Sergio Agüero — a testament to the youngster’s growing reputation.
Newcastle’s growing interest in Kilicsoy coincides with their ongoing efforts to inject fresh talent into their attacking department. The need for reinforcements has become increasingly urgent, especially with the likely departure of experienced forward Callum Wilson, whose contract is due to expire at the end of next month. Manager Eddie Howe is reportedly eager to find a dynamic alternative to support and compete with current first-choice striker Alexander Isak.
The Magpies had previously been linked with a move for Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, but the young Englishman now appears poised to sign with Chelsea, leaving Newcastle to intensify their pursuit of other potential targets. Kilicsoy, whose profile fits the club’s preference for young, high-potential players, now appears to be high on their shortlist.
While Besiktas value their rising star highly, financial considerations may push them to consider serious offers. Last summer, the Istanbul-based club turned down a bid in the region of €15 million (approximately £13 million) from Premier League side Aston Villa, indicating the level of interest he has already generated. Nonetheless, they may be more open to negotiations this year. Newcastle are believed to be preparing an offer in the £10–13 million range — a figure that could tempt the Turkish side and represent solid value for a player of Kilicsoy’s potential.
Several other English clubs are also reportedly monitoring the situation, including Fulham, Everton, Nottingham Forest, and Aston Villa, all of whom have shown interest in bolstering their own forward options. With this growing competition, Newcastle may need to act swiftly if they hope to secure Kilicsoy’s signature ahead of their rivals.
Although Kilicsoy’s current stats in the Turkish Süper Lig — three goals and two assists in 31 appearances — might not appear overwhelming at first glance, scouts and analysts have been far more impressed by his movement, decision-making, and technical development. Across all competitions this season, the youngster has made 39 appearances, scoring four goals and providing three assists, an encouraging return given his age and limited top-level experience.
Should the deal go through, it would represent a strategic investment in long-term talent for Newcastle. Kilicsoy would not only add depth to their forward line but also bring youthful energy and a high ceiling for development. With the Premier League side continuing to build a squad capable of competing at the highest levels both domestically and in Europe, acquiring a rising star like Kilicsoy could prove to be a smart piece of business in the club’s ongoing evolution.
As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Newcastle and whether they can fend off their Premier League rivals to secure the services of one of Turkey’s brightest young prospects.