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Orkun Kökçü Nearing High-Profile Move From Benfica to Besiktas
Turkish midfielder Orkun Kökçü is close to joining Besiktas from Benfica. A final agreement is expected soon. The transfer is set to be one of the summer’s biggest stories for Turkish football fans.
According to a previous report, Orkun Kökçü wants to join Besiktas.
DEAL CLOSE FOR KÖKÇÜ’S RETURN TO TURKEY
Negotiations between Besiktas and Benfica have advanced significantly. Only final details are left before the transfer is complete. Kökçü, 24, has made clear his wish to leave Benfica after a public fallout with coach Bruno Lage during the FIFA Club World Cup. Reports indicate the deal will initially be a loan, with a mandatory purchase clause to make the move permanent at season’s end. Besiktas is moving quickly to finalize the paperwork, as both clubs have agreed in principle on terms for Kökçü’s transfer.
Besiktas is working on a loan deal with an option to buy for Orkun Kökçü.
KÖKÇÜ’S IMPACT AND BESIKTAS’S AMBITIONS
Despite strong interest from top clubs across Europe and Saudi Arabia, Kökçü has chosen Besiktas, his childhood club. His decision follows a productive 2024/25 season at Benfica, where he played 55 matches, scoring 12 goals and providing 11 assists. Across his time at Benfica, Kökçü has delivered 19 goals and 22 assists in 98 games. Besiktas, under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, is building a strong squad, having also signed David Jurasek and Tammy Abraham. Adding Kökçü brings both creativity and leadership to a midfield aiming for silverware in the new Turkish Super Lig season.
Kökçü played 55 matches for Benfica last season with 12 goals and 11 assists.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR BESIKTAS, BENFICA, AND KÖKÇÜ?
Besiktas aims to close the gap with rivals Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, both strengthening this summer. The new Super Lig campaign begins in August, with Besiktas looking to improve on last season’s fourth-place finish and challenge for a Champions League spot.
Besiktas finished fourth in the Süsper Lig last season.
Benfica, who finished second in Portugal last season, will now need to find a replacement for one of their most influential players. Kökçü’s arrival is expected to energize Besiktas fans and add serious quality to the team’s midfield as they prepare for their opening league fixture and a return to European competition.
