Ryan Babel links up with Besiktas after leaving Deportivo

Nomadic winger Ryan Babel has joined Turkish champion Besiktas after leaving Deportivo La Coruna following the expiration of his contract on Dec. 31.

The 30-year-old Dutchman has also taken in stints at Ajax, Liverpool, Hoffenheim, and United Arab Emirates outfit Al Ain. He's now set for his second stay in Turkey after previously representing Kasimpasa.

Babel's playing days have been tainted by various disciplinary issues, including being demoted to Al Ain's reserves for his poor use of social media. He's enjoyed a resurgence of sorts, however, scoring four goals and claiming one assist over the opening half of Deportivo's 2016-17 campaign.

Besiktas manager Senol Gunes has assembled an impressive squad since taking over in June 2015, with Babel joining Vincent Aboubakar, Adriano, and Gokhan Inler in this season's deluge of big-name buys.