Leeds United were linked with numerous players in the summer transfer window, with 10 signings coming in and many others staying put.
How serious Leeds United were about every target is another question, but the Whites missed out on another forward. Daniel Farke understands the ‘blip’ of deadline day for Leeds, though.
They did not sign Harry Wilson nor Facundo Buonanotte, but they weren’t the only versatile creative players Leeds looked at. A winger who could be utilised as a No.10 was on the agenda for some time.
One of the other names that cropped up was that of Jota Silva, with reports stating Nottingham Forest’s versatile winger Silva was a target for Leeds.
Jota Silva heads to Besiktas after Sporting and Leeds moves fail to materialise
Sporting CP also wanted Silva alongside Leeds, but nothing materialised to take the Portuguese international winger off of Forest’s hands.
Amid that interest, it was claimed Leeds were ‘being used’ regarding Silva. Leeds did not pursue a deal seriously, despite their registered ‘interest’.
Jota Silva is now further down the pecking order at Forest after the signings of Dan Ndoye, Dilane Bakwa, Omari Hutchinson, and James McAtee.
Leeds could have been a destination for him but he is now headed elsewhere, per the latest from transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
He says that Turkish giants Besiktas are closing in on deal to sign Silva. He is on his way for a deal which is a loan with a buy option clause that might turn into an obligation.
Since then, Romano has revealed further details. He states that Forest are to receive a loan fee close to €3 million (£2.6 million) with a buy option clause closer to €17 million (£14.7 million), which could become mandatory.
What happened to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Besiktas?
Silva won’t be joining up with Man United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. In January 2025, after three years out of management, Solskjaer was appointed manager of the Turkish Super Lig club.
However, the Norwegian was sacked mere weeks ago in August 2025, having failed to qualify for European football with the European giants.
Instead, Silva will play under Sergen Yalcin. On 30 August 2025, he was reappointed as head coach of Besiktas, following the early-season dismissal of Solskjaer.
Silva will have less competition at Besiktas for minutes, but they will be eyeing the league title over the likes of Fenerbahce and Galatasaray.
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