Monaco confirm departure
AS Monaco have officially announced that defender Kassoum Ouattara has joined Beşiktaş on a permanent transfer. The 21-year-old left-back has signed a four-year contract with the Turkish Süper Lig side, the Principality club confirmed on Thursday.
The France youth international arrived at Monaco from SC Amiens in November 2023 and made 57 appearances for the club, scoring once and providing seven assists. During his 18-month spell in Ligue 1, he largely provided back-up to Caio Henrique, who departed for Ajax Amsterdam earlier this week.
Premier League interest rejected
Ouattara’s exit represents the second departure in the left-back position within days. Despite concrete interest from newly promoted Hull City, who were keen to secure the defender’s services for the Premier League, Ouattara opted instead for a switch to Istanbul.
Earlier reports indicated that Beşiktaş would pay around €8 million for the player, with an additional €2 million available in performance-related add-ons. Negotiations also included a sell-on percentage to safeguard Monaco’s financial interests should the defender be sold again in the future.
Squad reshuffle continues
Monaco have moved to replenish their defensive stocks by confirming the arrival of Nazinho from partner club Cercle Brugge for €5 million. The Portugal youth international joined earlier in the week, though the double exit at left-back leaves the Ligue 1 side with limited specialist cover. Managerial staff had initially hoped Henrique’s departure would secure Ouattara greater playing time, but the player’s desire to leave has forced the club to search for further reinforcements before the transfer window closes.