Beşiktaş plan January move for Nottingham Forest’s James McAtee

Beşiktaş are preparing an early January move for Nottingham Forest midfielder James McAtee as they look to accelerate a rapid reshaping of their squad.

According to Ajansspor, the Turkish giants have identified McAtee as a potential replacement for Rafa Silva, with the club increasingly confident that a split with the Portuguese attacker will be finalised next month. That decision follows a prolonged and very public breakdown in relations between Silva, the coaching staff and senior management.

With Beşiktaş determined to lower the temperature around the squad and refocus on younger, more malleable profiles, attention has now turned to McAtee — despite his recent arrival in the Premier League.

Ajansspor report that Beşiktaş are actively planning for Silva’s departure and want a like-for-like replacement in terms of positional role rather than reputation. The emphasis is firmly on youth, resale potential and tactical flexibility — boxes McAtee comfortably ticks.

Negotiations are said to have already begun, although there is no clarity yet on the structure of any potential deal. A permanent transfer appears unlikely at this stage. Turkish clubs traditionally avoid major January outlays, making a loan — potentially with an option to buy — the most realistic route.

That model would also reduce risk for all parties, particularly given McAtee’s limited involvement since his move to England.

McAtee only joined Nottingham Forest in the summer, arriving in a deal worth around €25m. Expectations were high, but the reality has been sobering.

The 22-year-old has yet to register a goal or an assist across nine appearances, and under Sean Dyche he has struggled to establish himself. To date, McAtee has managed just one start and a total of 66 minutes in Dyche’s side — a clear indicator that he is not currently central to Forest’s plans.

From Forest’s perspective, a loan could offer a solution rather than an admission of failure. Allowing McAtee to regain rhythm and confidence elsewhere may protect the long-term value of a player they invested heavily in only months ago.

Beşiktaş’s interest in McAtee fits a wider pattern. Having endured an unstable first half of the season, the club are planning several changes in January, prioritising squad harmony and tactical clarity.

Replacing Rafa Silva with a younger, less volatile option is viewed internally as a reset rather than a downgrade. McAtee’s technical ability, ability to operate between the lines and comfort in possession align with what Beşiktaş want to rebuild around.

Although some may question the wisdom of targeting a player still adapting to top-flight football, the counterpoint is opportunity. McAtee’s lack of minutes makes him attainable — something that would not have been the case a year ago.

In our view, this is a move that makes sense precisely because it is short-term. Beşiktaş need change without financial overreach, Forest need development without pressure, and McAtee needs football — urgently.

Having followed similar Turkish January deals in recent seasons, this kind of opportunity-driven loan often materialises quickly once dialogue opens. The key variable will be Forest’s willingness to accept reduced control so soon after signing the player.

Although some reports suggest McAtee could still fight for his place in England, minutes matter more than reputation at this stage of a career. A spell in Istanbul could offer him responsibility, exposure and a clearer role than he currently has.

Beşiktaş are expected to accelerate talks once Rafa Silva’s exit is formalised, potentially making McAtee one of their early January targets. Nottingham Forest’s stance will become clearer as the window approaches, but the lack of game time suggests discussions could progress quickly if an offer arrives.

👉 Forest fans — would a loan be the right move for McAtee, or should he be given more time to break through?