Orkun Kökçü Closer to Besiktas Move as Talks Advance with Benfica

Orkun Kökçü has told Benfica he wants to join Besiktas. Talks between the Turkish club and the Portuguese team are in progress. Both sides are near a deal. The Turkish international might return home after doing well in Portugal.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Sources say Besiktas and Kökçü have agreed on personal terms for a 1+4 year contract. The 24-year-old midfielder wants to join Besiktas. He played 55 matches for Benfica last season, with 12 goals and 11 assists. Benfica finished second in the Primeira Liga with 85 points, three points behind Sporting CP, which confirms his effective contribution during the campaign

According to a previous report, Benfica finished second in the Primeira Liga.

. Besiktas is working on a loan deal with an option to buy, with Benfica wanting €30–40 million for him. Kökçü’s desire to join Besiktas is helping the Turkish club in negotiations.

BESIKTAS’ TRANSFER STRATEGY AND THE SEASON SO FAR

Besiktas’ new president, Serdal Adalı, is directly involved in the transfer. He met Benfica officials in Lisbon. Besiktas wants a loan with a mandatory purchase option due to Benfica’s high asking price. Last season, Besiktas finished fourth in the Süper Lig, just making it to the UEFA Conference League

According to a previous report, Besiktas ended the 2024/25 Süper Lig season in fourth place.

. The team wants more creativity in midfield for the next season. Kökçü played a key role while Benfica finished second in the Primeira Liga.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Negotiations should end in a few days. If the deal is done, Kökçü will go to Istanbul with Besiktas officials for his medical and contract signing. Besiktas’ first match is in 4 week’s time for the Turkish League and they will want to close their squad as soon as possible. The club wants to catch up with champions Galatasaray, who finished ahead of Fenerbahce in the Super Lig

As noted in a prior report, Galatasaray finished as winners in the Super Lig.

. Kökçü’s arrival could improve Besiktas’ midfield and boost hopes for a better league and European campaign.