Orkun Kokcu Transfer: Midfielder Keen on Besiktas Switch

Orkun Kokcu transfer talks have intensified this week, and fresh comments from the player’s father have offered the clearest indication yet that the Turkish international is determined to leave Benfica for Besiktas.

Orkun Kokcu Transfer Saga Enters Final Stretch

The Orkun Kokcu transfer story has been rumbling ever since the 23-year-old swapped Feyenoord for Benfica last summer. Despite arriving in Lisbon amid great fanfare, the creative midfielder has struggled to settle both on and off the pitch. He has played just 1,180 league minutes, and reports in Portugal suggest he feels the tactical setup under Roger Schmidt does not get the best out of his forward-thinking instincts.

Speaking to Turkish television on Monday night, Kokcu’s father, Sinan, confirmed that discussions with Besiktas officials are ongoing. “Orkun wants this move,” he said. “He grew up supporting Besiktas, and the chance to play in front of those fans is a dream he does not wish to postpone.” The comments all but validate earlier rumours that the Istanbul giants have tabled an initial €18 million offer, with Benfica said to be holding out for closer to €23 million plus add-ons.

Why a Besiktas Move Appeals to Kokcu

Emotional Pull of the Black Eagles

A Besiktas move offers Kokcu the rare blend of emotional satisfaction and professional opportunity. The midfielder was born in Haarlem, the Netherlands, but his family roots trace directly back to Turkey and, more specifically, to a household that openly adored Besiktas. Wearing the famous black-and-white stripes would allow him to reconnect with that childhood passion while simultaneously boosting his international profile ahead of Euro 2024.

Guaranteed Playing Time

At Vodafone Park, new manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is said to covet Kokcu as the creative hub of a revamped 4-2-3-1 system. Solskjaer’s pressing-with-purpose philosophy requires a No. 8 capable of threading vertical passes and dictating tempo—precisely the skill set Kokcu honed during his Eredivisie days. Regular starts in Istanbul would ensure he maintains peak form for Vincenzo Montella’s Turkey squad.

Financial Package

Besiktas have reportedly offered a five-year deal worth €3.2 million per season—double what Kokcu currently pockets in Lisbon. When factoring in performance bonuses linked to domestic silverware and European qualification, the total package could exceed €20 million.

Benfica’s Stance on the Orkun Kokcu Transfer

Benfica president Rui Costa remains reluctant to lose a player signed for €25 million only 12 months ago. However, the Eagles’ hierarchy recognise the importance of squad harmony and do not wish to retain an unhappy footballer. Selling Kokcu would also free up salary space and generate funds to strengthen other areas, notably central defence.

Reports from A Bola claim Benfica will demand 20% of any future resale, a clause that gives them long-term financial security. Negotiations are therefore focused on fee structure—Besiktas prefer staggered payments, while Benfica insist on at least €15 million up front.

How Solskjaer Fits into the Puzzle

Solskjaer admires Kokcu’s combination of energy and creativity, traits he often lacked during his time at Manchester United. Sources close to the Norwegian tactician believe Kokcu could become the “heartbeat” of Besiktas, providing quick transitions and set-piece quality. Club scouts consider his proficiency at pressing high to be a perfect match for Solskjaer’s blueprint: win the ball early, attack with speed, entertain the crowd.

Potential Tactical Roles

• Advanced No. 8 pushing beyond the striker in possession
• Deep-lying playmaker initiating counterattacks
• Inside left-midfielder drifting into half-spaces to overload flanks

This versatility makes Kokcu a crucial chess piece in Solskjaer’s quest to wrestle the Süper Lig title away from Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe.

Timeline: When Could the Deal Be Finalised?

28 May: Besiktas submit initial written offer
4 June: Benfica counter with valuation and resale clause demand
10-15 June: Expected face-to-face meeting between Rui Costa and Besiktas sporting director Ceyhun Kazancı in London
20 June: Besiktas hope to have medicals booked ahead of pre-season tour

If both parties find common ground before the end of June, Kokcu would be in line to debut in a mid-July friendly against Shakhtar Donetsk.

Wider Market Implications

Kokcu’s departure could trigger a midfield carousel across Europe. Benfica have already scouted Feyenoord’s Mats Wieffer as a replacement, while Besiktas’ successful coup might push Galatasaray to accelerate their pursuit of Tottenham’s Giovani Lo Celso. Additionally, Turkey’s growing reputation as a landing spot for talented youngsters underscores the Süper Lig’s commercial rise; signing Kokcu in his prime would send a powerful message to potential investors and future recruits.

Financial Fair Play Considerations

UEFA’s new squad-cost rules cap total wages and agent fees at 80% of club revenue. Besiktas believe they can stay compliant thanks to robust sponsorship renewals and an expected attendance boost. Benfica, for their part, could reinvest Kokcu’s fee into lower-cost talents with high resale value, a model that has served them well for over a decade.

The Verdict

The Orkun Kokcu transfer seems closer than ever to completion. Player desire, tactical fit, and commercial logic are all aligned. While Benfica’s negotiating stance may prolong the process, a deal looks inevitable now that the midfielder’s father has spoken publicly. If the numbers add up, expect Kokcu to be unveiled in Istanbul before the ink on most pre-season programmes has dried.

Opinion: A Win-Win Move—If Expectations Are Managed

From a sporting perspective, Kokcu should thrive under Solskjaer’s progressive style and the emotional lift of playing for his boyhood club. Yet expectations at Besiktas can be unforgiving; the midfielder must adapt quickly to the league’s physicality and fan-driven pressure. If he does, the Black Eagles will gain a playmaker capable of shaping their title ambitions for years.