Turkish football club Besiktas has formally announced that it has commenced negotiations with Sport Lisboa e Benfica for the potential transfer of midfielder Orkun Kökçü. The Istanbul-based club released a brief official communication confirming that discussions are underway.
The statement from Besiktas confirmed, “Negotiations have been initiated with professional football player Orkun Kökçü and his club, Sport Lisboa e Benfica – Futebol SAD, regarding his transfer.” This declaration marks a significant step in Besiktas`s pursuit of the 24-year-old player.
Orkun Kökçü joined Benfica from Feyenoord and is currently under contract with the Portuguese side until June 2028. His contract notably includes a release clause valued at €150 million. Benfica initially secured his services for a reported fee of €25 million fixed, potentially rising by an additional €5 million in performance-related add-ons.
During the past season, Kökçü proved to be a key component for Benfica, participating in a total of 55 matches across various competitions. His attacking output from midfield was considerable, contributing 12 goals and providing 11 assists.
The formal confirmation from Besiktas indicates a serious interest in acquiring the player. While the €150 million release clause represents a theoretical valuation benchmark, the initiation of negotiations suggests that the clubs are seeking to agree upon a different transfer fee and structure. The complexities inherent in major international football transfers mean that successful negotiations are paramount before any agreement can be finalized.
