Senegalese Striker Ba Joins Besiktas

Demba Ba has joined Turkish League outfit Besiktas from Chelsea.

The 29-year-old, who will wear jersey number 9, passed his medicals at the Istanbul club’s Vodafone Arena on Wednesday.

The actual cost of the deal has not yet been announced but the club president Fikret Orman had confirmed they agreed to pay Chelsea a fee below their £10m asking price.

“The fans made me happy and I was very impressed,” said Ba. “I am very excited to play here, I’m very willing.

Demba Ba Joins Turkish Club Besiktas.
Demba Ba Joins Turkish Club Besiktas.

“I want to show myself. Besiktas is a great club and I want to be a part of this club. The fans gave me a warm welcome. After that, the close relationship will continue.”

Everton have shown interest in the striker, who joined Chelsea from Newcastle in the winter transfer window of the 2012-13 season for £7m.

Ba played behind Samuel Eto’O and Fernando Torres last season, which he ended on an impressive note, scoring match-winning goals against Paris St Germain, Swansea and Liverpool.

The former Hoffenheim and West Ham striker scored a total of 14 goals in 51 appearances for Chelsea.