Tyler Boyd joins Sivasspor on loan from Beşiktaş

In pursuit of playing time, a national team player makes a move within the Turkish Süper Lig. Sivasspor announced the signing of Tyler Boyd on loan “until the end of the season.” The American midfielder has not appeared for Beşiktaş for several months and is in desperate need of playing time. The 26-year-old signed a four-year contract with the Turkish giants in July of 2019.

Times have been difficult for Boyd after making 28 total appearances and scoring three goals in his debut season. In August, he suffered a PCL injury during training. A few months later, reports emerged that Beşiktaş would not register him in order to satisfy the foreign roster cap, despite starting the previous six matches. According to ESPN, national team manager Gregg Berhalter was “not too happy” with the situation.

Sivasspor is currently in 14^th place in the Süper Lig with 24 points from 21 matches, dangerously close to the relegation zone. Last year, Yiğidolar finished in fourth, but the club has already been bounced from this season’s Europa League. Manager Riza Calimbay primarily utilizes a 4-1-4-1 formation, creating an opportunity for the once productive American attacker. Veteran Max Gradel has locked down the left wing position, but there may be a chance to break through on the opposite side of the field or at attacking midfielder.

Boyd has earned 10 caps for the United States since making his debut in June of 2019. He’s scored two goals, both in the 4-0 victory over Guyana in the 2019 Gold Cup. The Tauranga, New Zealand native has not received a call-up since November of 2019.

This is a necessary move for a player in need of a change of scenery. Despite hopes that Boyd would rejoin Beşiktaş for the second half of the season, the club’s continued failure to register him did not inspire confidence in a return to the roster. He has the opportunity for a fresh start at Sivasspor, even if his loan is only for six months. The national team picture is becoming crowded in the lead-up to the 2022 World Cup, with a priority being placed on those earning consistent playing time at the highest level. A bad professional situation can be unfair, but proactive steps were taken to make sure the four-month period on the sideline would not continue.

Is this a good move for Tyler Boyd? Let us know in the comment section.