Celtic have been linked with sitting midfielder Demir Ege Tiknaz in recent weeks.
It was reported at the start of June that the Hoops had initiated contact with Rio Ave, the Portuguese side who had Tiknaz on loan last season.
Rio Ave held the option to buy Tiknaz from his parent club Besiktas for €5m. However, the deadline for that was on June 10 and the clause was not triggered.
It means Tiknaz is heading back to Besiktas with a plethora of clubs linked with signing the 20-year-old Turkish international this summer.
Now, it has been revealed what Besiktas boss Ole Gunnar Solskjær plans to do with Tiknaz.
Solskjær wants Celtic-linked Tiknaz to stay at Besiktas
According to Turkish outlet Takvim, Tiknaz will remain part of the Besiktas first-team for the 2025/26 season.
Solskjær is said to have followed Tiknaz’s progress at Rio Ave closely and made it clear during a Besiktas management meeting that he wants the player to stay put.
Tiknaz is expected to be in Austria for Besiktas’ pre-season training camp this summer in what is a blow to Celtic.
Tiknaz starred for Rio Ave last season as he played 33 games, scoring four goals and providing two assists.
Tiknaz’s Rio Ave farewell message
Just a few days ago, Tiknaz published a farewell message on his Instagram after his Rio Ave exit was rubber-stamped.
He wrote: “I would like to thank my teammates, coaches, and the entire Rio Ave family for the support and love you have shown me during every moment I spent at this club. You were always by my side, and I felt proud to be a part of this club.
“I’ve always believed that the most meaningful decisions in life are guided by experience — and the memories I’ve made here will stay with me forever. You’ve helped me grow not just as a footballer, but as a person.
“I wish you all the best in the future. I will never forget what you’ve done for me, and lastly; Rio Ave will always have a special place in my heart.
‘Thank you for everything!”
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