The summer transfer window delivers another significant move as Turkish international midfielder Orkun Kokçu completes his transfer from Portuguese giants Benfica to Turkish Super Lig club Besiktas. The deal, reportedly valued at €30 million, brings an end to Kokçu`s two-season tenure in Lisbon under circumstances that, while perhaps not entirely smooth, have culminated in a substantial financial transaction.
Confirmation of the move arrived following a visit by Besiktas president Serdal Adali to Lisbon, signaling the final stages of negotiation between the two clubs. According to well-regarded transfer market insider Fabrizio Romano, the agreement is structured as a one-year loan initially, with an obligatory purchase option set at €25 million. A further €5 million is included in easily achievable performance-related variables, bringing the total potential value of the transfer to €30 million. This figure notably aligns with the valuation Benfica held for the player and represents a recovery of their initial investment.
While official club statements often focus on the strategic benefits of such transfers, the context surrounding Kokçu`s departure from Benfica suggests underlying factors were at play. Reports indicated a strained relationship between the midfielder and Benfica coach Bruno Lage, highlighted by a visible disagreement during a Club World Cup match. Although the player reportedly attempted to downplay the incident, it appears the atmosphere between the two parties was less than ideal. The situation was further complicated by Kokçu`s reported decision, communicated from his holiday in the Netherlands, not to return to the club.
From a financial perspective, the sale allows Benfica to recoup the €30 million they invested two seasons ago to acquire Kokçu from Feyenoord. At the time, his signing for a reported €25 million plus €5 million in variables made him the most expensive acquisition in Benfica`s history, surpassing the fee paid for Darwin Núñez in 2020. An important detail of that initial transfer was an agreement with Feyenoord granting the Dutch club a percentage of any future capital gain Benfica might realize from a subsequent sale. The exact percentage tied to this €30 million deal remains undisclosed but will factor into Benfica`s net profit from the transaction.
Sportingly, Kokçu`s departure represents a significant loss for Benfica on the pitch. In his two seasons with the club, the 24-year-old featured in 78 official matches, contributing a notable 19 goals and providing 22 assists. His influence in midfield, both creatively and in terms of goal contribution, will leave a void that Benfica will need to address. However, in the often-complex world of football transfers, maintaining squad harmony and resolving interpersonal issues can sometimes outweigh purely sporting considerations, particularly when a financially favorable outcome is attainable.
For Besiktas, the acquisition of Kokçu brings a proven top-tier midfielder with considerable experience at both club and international levels. His arrival is expected to bolster their midfield options as they prepare for the upcoming season. The obligatory nature of the purchase clause indicates a strong long-term commitment from the Turkish club, suggesting Kokçu is viewed as a key component of their future plans.
Ultimately, Kokçu`s transfer to Besiktas is a multifaceted development – a strategic financial maneuver for Benfica, a resolution to an apparent interpersonal issue, and a significant reinforcement for the Turkish club. It serves as a reminder that the dynamics of the transfer market are driven by a blend of sporting need, financial calculation, and sometimes, the less predictable elements of human relationships within the professional football environment.
