Southampton defender Lyanco is closing in on a move to Turkish side Besiktas, with a transfer now agreed between the two clubs, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed.
The 26-year-old is set to depart after two seasons at the club in which he made 48 appearances, scoring once, and could be one of many players on the way out following the Saints’ relegation.
There was interest from a number of clubs, including Fenerbahce, but Besiktas have won the race for the Brazilian, who originally moved to St Mary’s for around £7m from Torino.
Romano has confirmed that the centre-back will fly to Turkey tomorrow, and will sign a four year contract at Besiktas.
Will Lyanco be missed at Southampton?
The defender started just 11 league games last season, as he was behind Mohammed Salisu and Armel Bella-Kotchap in the pecking order, but at his best he brought some robustness to the back-line with his aggressive style.
Former manager Ralph Hassenhuttl previously described him as “fantastic,” and praised his attitude and commitment to the side, but he never managed to tie down a regular role at Southampton.
The Saints will need to dip into the market to replace him though, as he could have been useful depth in the Championship, and Everton’s Mason Holgate has been linked with a move.
The club were keen for a sale this summer, given the interest in him, and it seemed unlikely that the defender would want to stay post-relegation.
If they can replace him in the squad with a Championship-experienced centre-back, then it is unlikely that they will regret a permanent sale now, given his inconsistency since his arrival two years ago, but he did endear himself to the fans with his passion and commitment despite Southampton’s struggles as a whole last season.