What looked like a done deal quickly turned into a dead end for Kyle Walker-Peters.
The former Southampton defender was all set to join Turkish giants Besiktas, but things took a sudden turn—and not in the direction anyone expected.
From Green Light to Full Stop
Walker-Peters, who is currently a free agent after leaving Southampton this summer, had been in advanced talks with Besiktas.
Managed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the club had already announced they’d reached an agreement in principle and had even invited the defender to Istanbul for a medical.
But just when it seemed like everything was lining up, Walker-Peters hit the brakes—asking for a delay.
That request didn’t sit well with Besiktas at all.
Besiktas Officially Pulls the Plug
In a formal statement, Besiktas didn’t mince words. The club confirmed that Walker-Peters had requested more time and, as a result, they decided to withdraw their offer altogether.
“The arrival of professional football player Kyle Walker-Peters… has been postponed.
Today, Kyle Walker-Peters notified us, requesting an extension.
Consequently, our club has withdrawn its transfer,” the club’s statement read.
They added that they will continue to pursue other signings in line with their usual transfer policy.
West Ham Circles In
Now that the Besiktas deal is off the table, all eyes are on West Ham, who are rumored to be in the market for a new right-back.
With Vladimir Coufal possibly heading out, Walker-Peters could slot in as a solid replacement.
He’d likely compete for game time with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who has also been linked with a move to the London club.
From Spurs to Saints: A Solid Career So Far
Walker-Peters, 27, began his professional career at Tottenham, but it was during his time at Southampton that he really made his mark.
After joining on loan in early 2020, he made the switch permanent later that year and racked up an impressive 202 appearances for the club.
He was also briefly part of Gareth Southgate’s plans, earning two England caps in 2022.
Besiktas Still Active in the Transfer Market
Though they missed out on Walker-Peters, Besiktas have been busy this summer.
Earlier in July, they secured a high-profile loan deal for Tammy Abraham from Roma.
They also brought in Joao Mario, who Premier League fans might remember from his loan stint at West Ham back in 2018.
Under Solskjaer, who took over in January, the Turkish side has seen mixed results with 12 wins, 4 draws, and 6 losses in 22 matches.
What’s Next for Walker-Peters?
While it’s unclear why he asked to delay the move, the decision has opened the door for a potential Premier League return.
With West Ham reportedly interested, and several other clubs possibly circling, Walker-Peters could still land a solid contract in the weeks ahead.
For now, though, the Turkish adventure is off—and Walker-Peters is still a free agent looking for his next chapter.