Clubs are lining up for Kökçü, who is set to leave Benfica

Orkun Kökcü’s time at Benfica may soon be coming to a premature end, despite having signed with the club less than two years ago.

The Turkish international, who joined the Portuguese giants from Feyenoord in the summer of 2023, is now reportedly on the brink of a major move away from Lisbon. While the midfielder’s quality on the pitch has rarely been in question, tensions off the field particularly a highly publicized incident with head coach Bruno Lage during the Club World Cup have added fuel to speculation about his future. Portuguese media continue to dissect that episode, which reportedly involved a disagreement over tactical instructions and led to a heated exchange, ultimately leaving the relationship between player and manager strained.

Kökcü, still just 24 years old, appears ready for a fresh start. Though he arrived at Benfica with high expectations and as a long-term midfield solution, his trajectory has not gone exactly as planned. Injuries, inconsistency, and reported tactical disagreements have all played a role, and now, a growing list of suitors is circling. Last week, he was for the first time linked to a move to Serie A giants Inter Milan. Reports suggest the Turkish playmaker is being considered as a possible successor to Hakan Çalhanoğlu, who remains a vital figure at the heart of Inter's midfield. However, Ederson of Atalanta is said to be higher on the Nerazzurri’s wishlist, making Kökcü a potential Plan B albeit a highly capable one.

Meanwhile, a more aggressive approach is coming from Turkey, where Beşiktaş have emerged as a serious contender for his signature. According to O Jogo, a delegation from the Istanbul-based club has already traveled to Portugal to hold in-person talks with Benfica. Their ambition? To make Kökcü the most expensive incoming transfer in Beşiktaş history. The fee being discussed reportedly hovers around €30 million nearly three times the club’s current transfer record, set when Moatasem Al-Musrati was signed for €11 million. Described as “an operation of unprecedented scale,” the transfer would be a statement of intent by Beşiktaş, who are aiming to re-establish themselves as a dominant force domestically and in European competitions. Despite the financial magnitude of the deal, reports indicate that Beşiktaş are optimistic, buoyed by Kökcü's Turkish roots and the possibility of building their midfield around a national team star.

But Beşiktaş are not alone. Newcastle United are also in the frame, and according to both O Jogo and A Bola, the Premier League club is preparing to launch an official bid later this summer. Newcastle, backed by Saudi investment, are looking to add depth and creativity to their midfield and view Kökcü as a potentially valuable addition. The 41-cap Turkish international would bring versatility, vision, and experience at the European level assets the Magpies are keen to inject into their squad as they aim for continued progress in both the Premier League and continental competitions.

Then there’s Saudi Arabia, whose clubs have reshaped the global transfer market in recent windows by offering eye-watering sums to lure top talent. According to A Bola, several Saudi clubs have made their interest known, and initial discussions have already taken place. The Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), which backs several major clubs in the country, is believed to be directly involved in talks with both Benfica and Kökcü’s representatives. A proposed transfer fee of no less than €40 million is on the table an amount that would be extremely hard for Benfica to turn down, especially considering Kökcü’s uncertain status within the squad.

From a financial perspective, a move to Saudi Arabia would not only benefit Kökcü and Benfica but also Feyenoord. When the Dutch club sold the midfielder in 2023, they secured a 25% sell-on clause. Should a €40 million deal materialize, that would net the Eredivisie side a substantial €10 million a significant financial boost for a club that continues to rely on smart sales and development.

For Kökcü himself, a Saudi move would bring immediate financial rewards and the opportunity to be a key figure in a rapidly growing league. But given his age, there is still plenty of time for a return to the European spotlight later in his career a fact that is reportedly weighing into his decision-making process.

As the summer transfer window approaches, Kökcü finds himself at a crossroads. Will he opt for a homecoming of sorts with Beşiktaş, take the Premier League plunge with Newcastle, or follow the financial temptation of the Saudi league? Whatever the outcome, it seems increasingly unlikely that his future lies in Lisbon. For Benfica, a player who arrived with so much promise may be heading for the exit sooner than expected but not without triggering a significant financial windfall.