Orkun Kökçü has reportedly informed Benfica of his strong desire to join Turkish Süper Lig club Besiktas, following a significant disagreement with manager Bruno Lage. The news comes amidst widespread interest from several prominent European clubs, including Newcastle United and Inter Milan.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Kökçü’s decision to seek a move to Turkey stems from a heated exchange with head coach Bruno Lage.
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The midfielder reportedly grew frustrated after being substituted during a Club World Cup match against Auckland City and reacted angrily on the sideline.
This incident appears to have soured his relationship with the manager, despite a productive season where he contributed 12 goals and 11 assists in all competitions for Benfica.
Besiktas president Serdal Adali has reportedly traveled to Lisbon for a second round of negotiations, signaling that the two clubs are nearing an agreement. While Benfica initially valued Kökçü around €40 million (£34m/$46m) and attracted interest from top-tier clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United, it seems a deal with Besiktas is now the most likely outcome.
Besiktas has already reached a verbal agreement with Kökçü. The proposed deal is said to be an initial loan with a mandatory purchase option at the end of the season. Benfica, who were initially hesitant about this structure, have reportedly now agreed in principle to the terms.
With a verbal agreement secured with the player, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Besiktas are now focused on finalizing the necessary paperwork to complete the transfer with Benfica. Should the deal go through, it would mark a swift departure for Kökçü, who only joined Benfica on a five-year deal for €25 million (£22m/$28m) last year.
