If there’s one loan that’s worked this season, it’s Rachid Ghezzal’s to Besiktas.
The Leicester City winger found himself needing to find a new club last summer, having just returned from a temporary spell at Fiorentina, and a last minute deal was struck with the Turkish side to guarantee him some game time.
Few will have predicted the impressive stats the Algeria international has put up, with his 17 assists in 30 league appearances standing out the most.
Not only that, but he’s found the back of the net seven times as well, so it isn’t surprising to see rumours circulating of both Besiktas wanting to desperately keep him and other clubs wanting him, such as Lyon.
Some stories, however, are more truthful than others, as the Leicester player pointed out in an interview with So Foot in France.
He said: “I saw in the press and on social media that the [Lyon] rumour was doing the round, but it’s more fake news than news. I’ve not had a concrete contact at least. That doesn’t mean it won’t come, but for now, I’m not thinking about it”.
What is true, however, is the desire from Besiktas fans to keep him around, as Ghezzal explained: “Some fans have put together a pot to help the club finalise my transfer. Another told me that he’d get my name tattooed on his back if I stayed. It’s made me laugh a lot, but also warms my heart”.
Whether he manages to get his transfer away from the King Power Stadium remains to be seen, but one thing appears to stand out from this interview: he’s very happy where he currently is and a return to Leicester doesn’t seem to be his first choice.
