Benin international Junior Olaitan faces increased competition for his place at Beşiktaş, with head coach Vincenzo Italiano keen to strengthen his midfield ahead of the January transfer window.
The 24-year-old has made a positive contribution since joining the Turkish club, but recent team selections have raised questions about his role in Italiano’s plans.
Olaitan was left out of the starting line-up for Beşiktaş’s 3-0 win over Gençlerbirliği on 8 November, coming on in the 70th minute to replace Orkun Kökçü.
According to Turkish outlet Fotospor, Italiano wants to bring in Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock and Rangers’ Nicolas Raskin as part of his plans to reshape the midfield.
The report suggests that Italiano prefers a more dynamic, defensively disciplined number eight, while Olaitan has tended to operate in a more advanced role.
The coach’s concerns were also evident after Beşiktaş’s 2-2 draw with Kasımpaşa on 1 November, when Olaitan was substituted after 63 minutes. Italiano explained that the Benin international had played too much like a second striker rather than occupying the midfield role he wanted.
Despite the uncertainty over his place, Olaitan has delivered useful numbers this season. He has made 20 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals and providing seven assists for Beşiktaş.
The midfielder will now need to convince Italiano that he can adapt to the tactical demands of the team and remain an important part of the squad.
If Willock or Raskin arrives in January and Olaitan continues to struggle for regular starts, a move away from Istanbul could become a possibility in a future transfer window.
