Besiktas Fires Up the Bidding for Zakaria as Saudi Interest Lingers
6 January 2026
Zakaria Draws Transfer Attention in January
Swiss defensive midfielder Dennis Zakaria of Monaco is drawing significant transfer interest as the January window heats up, with several clubs weighing a move.
Saudi giants Al Ahli and Al Nassr had previously shown interest in signing him, amid a broader push from the Saudi circuit.
Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur noted that Monaco's board has set a price tag in the range of 25 to 30 million euros to allow Zakaria to depart.
Besiktas Enters the Fray
The Turkish club Besiktas has joined the bidding, adding Zakaria to its January targets in what has become a winter mercato scenario.
Since arriving at Monaco in summer 2023, the 29-year-old has appeared 72 times, scoring 11 goals and delivering 5 assists.
Prior to Monaco, Zakaria represented Chelsea, Juventus, Borussia Monchengladbach, plus Young Boys and Servette in Switzerland.
Punchline: Target acquired, price tag in sight—this transfer window just turned into a sniper range, and Zakaria is the moving target.
Punchline: If prices climb much higher, Monaco may start charging rent for his locker—the midfield market is now a mortgage payment in disguise.