European Shield on Saudi Radar: Beşiktaş Defender Odokai Linked to January Move
27 November 2025
Transfer interest
One of Beşiktaş's defenders has entered the running to move to the Saudi Pro League during the upcoming winter window in January 2026.
According to the Saudi newspaper Al-Yawm, German centre-back Felix Odokai has been shortlisted to join a Saudi club after delivering steady performances with his Turkish side this season.
Sources say a Saudi club has begun actively monitoring him, deeming his consistent form a strong option for a back line needing European experience.
The 28-year-old has cemented his place in Beşiktaş's starting lineup since arriving, becoming an indispensable part of the defence.
The report notes preliminary movements from a Saudi side, with scouts compiling technical reports ahead of any official negotiations.
If Beşiktaş are willing to part with him, the decision will hinge on Odokai's wishes and the Turkish club's tolerance for a substantial fee, especially in a market hungry for European-ready defenders.
Profile: Felix Odokai
Born in 1997 to a Nigerian father and a German mother, Odokai represented Germany at youth level and was named in the German Olympic squad for Tokyo 2020.
He began his football journey with a Munich club, then moved to VfL Wolfsburg, had a loan spell at Augsburg, before joining Beşiktaş officially.
Odokai emerged as a steady performer in the Bundesliga 2023-24, playing 2,922 minutes across 33 games for Augsburg.
He joined Beşiktaş in June 2024, and his contract runs to 2027.
In 2025-26, he has featured 11 times in all competitions for Beşiktaş, totalling 835 minutes.
Beşiktaş have conceded seven goals with him on the pitch in six Turkish Super League matches so far this season, a figure that implies a goal every roughly 68 minutes.
He averages 1.33 successful tackles and 2.28 interceptions per 90 minutes, and about 5.70 clearances in the same period.
The German defender has attempted two shots in six matches this season, and both efforts were on target.
That means his shooting accuracy stands at 100%.
The defender is known for robust challenges, which has earned him five yellow cards and one red across 11 appearances.
Outlook and elsewhere
As the winter window approaches, talk of potential arrivals into the Saudi Pro League grows louder.
TyC Sports reported Johan Romania could leave San Lorenzo for a Saudi Pro League club.
Sources say a Colombian defender has attracted a Saudi club's offer, with San Lorenzo reportedly asking around $4 million for his departure as the club grapples with finances.
Johan Romania has 83 caps for San Lorenzo and is valued at around €6 million, capable of playing centre-back or right-back.
Earlier reports indicated the Colombian Johan Romania could attract interest from Al-Qadsia and Al-Shabab in Saudi Arabia before hinting at a move.
Punchline 1: If Odokai lands in the Saudi league, expect his defensive game to come with a side of espresso—bold, European, and guaranteed to wake up a few attackers.
Punchline 2: In Saudi football, a European defender like Odokai isn’t just a sign-in; he’s a full-on weather shield for the captain’s armband. Consider the goals introduced, not just defended.
