Latest news with #Tiknaz
Daily Record
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Who is Demir Ege Tiknaz? Celtic transfer 'target' manifesting one dream as another fades
The young Turkish midfielder is attracting interest from clubs across Europe Celtic have reportedly registered an interest in promising Turkish midfielder Demir Ege Tiknaz. The 20-year-old, who is currently on loan at Rio Ave from Besiktas, has caught the eye in his breakout season in Portugal. And the youngster's impressive showings have drawn attention from big clubs in Germany, France and Italy. However, the Parkhead side would have to navigate some obstacles in order to land the highly-rated playmaker. Here, Record Sport tells you everything you need to know about the up-and-coming talent. Who is Demir Tiknaz? Born on August 17, 2004, Tiknaz came through the ranks at Turkish giants Besiktas and made his senior debut as a sub in a 3-1 Europa Conference League win against KF Tirana in 2023. Capped at every youth level for his country, Tiknaz racked up 29 appearances for Besiktas before heading out on loan to Rio Ave in search for regular minutes. He helped the Vila do Conde-based club finish 11th in the Primeira Liga, starting in 28 of his 33 appearances. A defensive midfielder, Tiknaz chipped in with four goals and two assists across the campaign. How much would he cost? This is where it gets slightly complicated for Celtic. Uncapped Tiknaz - who earned his first senior international call-up in March 2025 - is still under contract with parent club, Besiktas. However, Rio Ave hold a £4.25million option-to-buy clause, which they are expected to trigger before the upcoming deadline on Tuesday, June 10. It's widely believed that Rio Ave's strategy is to sign the rising star permanently before immediately selling him on as clubs across Europe circle. The Portuguese side would double their money by demanding a fee of around £8.5m for the towering midfielder, who stands at 6ft 4in. That sum is well within Celtic's range, and should the Double-winners get a deal over the line, Tiknaz would become the club's fourth most expensive signing in history behind Arne Engels, Adam Idah and Odsonne Edouard. What has Tiknaz said? Istanbul-born Tiknaz has already overcome a major setback in his career after suffering a cruciate ligament tear in April 2022. That kept him out of action for around nine months before he eventually bounced back and made his Besiktas debut. Speaking to The Athletic, he said: 'On the pitch, you forget everything from your own life. "During these 90 minutes, it's kind of a therapy. When you touch the ball you forget everything, but after, you remember. Without football, life would really be way more difficult for us. 'When I didn't play football, I watched so many matches and had so many new ideas. When I was back on the pitch, I started playing with more maturity and I felt stronger. 'I felt stronger in the duels. I felt fitter and fresher. After returning from that injury, I thought if I can get through this one, I can get through any other problem.' Now one of the most highly-sought-after young players in Europe, Tiknaz revealed he models his game on Barcelona icon Sergio Busquets. He said: 'A box-to-box midfielder, that was my aim. Now I can say I'm a little bit like Busquets' style, though I'm taller than him — I am 1.93m. But I'm kind of a playmaker; regista. 'At the same time, I can play No 8, box-to-box, too. I feel good in these positions. I always want to have possession. I'm that kind of a guy.' As for his future? Tiknaz dreams big. His ultimate ambition was to share a pitch with Lionel Messi. But as that goal fades, he's set his sights on playing at the highest level possible. He added: 'I also had a dream to play with Messi, but it seems quite difficult because he's about to quit in a few years. I have another dream though — that is to play in England, especially in Liverpool if I can.' Tune in to Hotline Live every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football and listen to Record Sport's newest podcast, Game On, every Friday for your sporting fix, all in bitesize chunks.
The National
a day ago
- Sport
- The National
Celtic 'initiate contact' to sign Turkish midfielder
The 20-year-old is currently on the books at Turkish giants Besiktas. He spent last season on loan at Portuguese top-flight outfit Rio Ave, scoring four goals and assisting two across 33 appearances. Read more: Standing at an imposing 6"4, Tiknaz is currently away on international duty with his country, Turkey, for whom he has yet to register a senior cap. Celtic have initiated contact with Rio Ave to figure out how they can move forward with a concrete proposal to sign Tiknaz, claims ABOLA. Indeed, the Portuguese side are set to take up their €5 million option to buy the player from Besiktas, before potentially selling him on. They are said to want offers to be 'based on' €10 million. In the engine room, Brendan Rodgers has the likes of Callum McGregor, Arne Engels, Paulo Bernardo, Reo Hatate and Luke McCowan all available to him. Regardless, the Celtic manager, towards the end of last season, outlined his desire to strengthen his side with at least two or three first-team signings this summer. In terms of departures, Pogon Szczecin of Poland's top flight are reportedly interested in bringing in Maik Nawrocki on loan. The central defender has played just 18 times across his two years at Celtic. Nawrocki scored his first goal in green and white in a 5-1 win over Aberdeen at Pittodrie just before the end of last campaign.
Daily Record
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Demir Tiknaz sees Celtic transfer 'contact' made with Rio Ave as Besiktas clock ticks on quick flip plan
The Turkish international is on loan from the Istanbul giants and reports in Portugal claim the Hoops are interested Reports in Portugal claim Celtic have "made contact" with Rio Ave over a deal for Demir Tiknaz. A Bola reports that French Ligue 1 outfit Lille are also interested in the Turkish midfielder and that the Premiership champions have joined his list of admirers. However, Rio Ave can only discuss a potential transfer once they've made his loan switch from Besiktas permanent. The option to do that for €5million expires next Tuesday, so the clock is ticking for the Liga Portugal side to try and turn an immediate profit. And it's claimed that they will only consider offers around the €10million (around £8.4m) mark. Tiknaz made 28 appearances for Rio Ave last season, scoring four times and providing two assists. He is currently on international duty with Turkey, who play friendlies against America and Mexico, the latter being played in the early hours of Wednesday morning - after Rio Ave's option expires. Celtic could of course approach Besiktas directly should that pass without the Portuguese club exercising their option, but their apparent willingness to cash in quick could make a deal easier if the signs there first. You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Rangers and Celtic pages, and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We're also WhatsApp where we bring all the latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to you phone. Join our Rangers community here and our Celtic community here.
