Beşiktaş is preparing to begin talks for Issa Diop, a 1.94-meter, 28-year-old French defender from Fulham. The club is prioritizing the signing of a center-back during the winter transfer window because of Paulista's departure and uncertainty regarding Uduokhai's future. The club began considering more financially accessible players after targets higher on manager Sergen Yalçın's list were too expensive, which led president Serdal Adalı to consider alternatives. A preliminary inquiry has started for Diop, who was on the lower part of the transfer list, and his potential cost is being examined in detail. Sergen Yalçın will make the final decision on the transfer once the fee and salary conditions are clarified.
Ligue 1 clubs Monaco and Nantes are also interested in the defender, whose contract with Fulham is valid until 2027. Diop has made seven Premier League appearances in the 2025/2026 season. The defender, who has been capped by France at the U21 level, joined Fulham from West Ham in August 2022 for a reported fee of €17.8 million. His current market value is €10.00m, and it was reported in December 2025 that Fulham's asking price deterred Nantes.
