Sport Lisboa e Benfica has officially announced the departure of Turkish international midfielder Orkun Kökcü. Following a period that saw the player presented in Istanbul, the Lisbon club has now confirmed the details of his transfer to Turkish Süper Lig side Besiktas JK.
The move is structured as a loan agreement for the upcoming 2025/26 football season. This is not merely a temporary switch, however, as the deal includes a mandatory purchase option. This option is set at a base figure of €25,000,000 (twenty-five million euros).
Adding a layer of potential complexity (or perhaps just standard football business), the transfer fee could increase. A variable remuneration component, linked to the achievement of specific performance objectives, could see the total value of the transfer potentially rise to €30,000,000 (thirty million euros). It appears both clubs have hedged their bets, linking the final payout to future on-field success – a common practice in modern transfers, ensuring everyone remains sufficiently motivated.
Kökcü joined Benfica at the beginning of the 2023/24 campaign. During his tenure with the Águias, the midfielder made 98 appearances across all competitions, finding the back of the net 19 times. His time in Portugal now concludes as he embarks on his next chapter in Turkish football with Besiktas, where he has already been welcomed by the club`s supporters.
The official confirmation from Benfica, released on Saturday, July 12, 2025, formalizes a widely anticipated move, marking a significant transaction in the current transfer window.
