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Besiktas is making a strong push to sign Orkun Kokcu from Portuguese club Benfica, with club president Serdal Adali traveling to Lisbon for a second round of negotiations. The Black Eagles have reiterated their loan offer with a purchase option, and the persistence appears to be paying off.
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Adali met with Benfica executives once again, this time to discuss not only Orkun Kokcu but also Norwegian winger Andreas Schjelderup and a 50% transfer stake in Gedson Fernandes. Sources report that the meeting went positively and that both parties are close to an agreement regarding Kokcu.
Besiktas’ proposal includes a loan deal that includes a mandatory purchase option at the end of the season. Benfica, facing pressure from Kokcu’s firm stance on leaving, is said to have softened its position, agreeing in principle to the proposed terms.
The club has reached a verbal agreement with Kokcu on a 1+4-year deal. The 24-year-old midfielder has reportedly made it clear that Türkiye’s Besiktas is his top choice, significantly strengthening the club's hand in negotiations. Kokcu’s firm attitude reportedly left Benfica with little room to resist.
After wrapping up talks in Portugal, Adali flew to the Netherlands to meet with Kokcu personally. He aims to finalize the transfer within the next couple of days.
According to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, several major European clubs are monitoring Kokcu’s situation. Clubs like Newcastle United, Tottenham, Liverpool, and Manchester United are all said to be interested. Italian sides Inter and Roma are also reportedly in the race. Additionally, the Saudi Public Investment Fund is following developments closely.
During the meetings with Benfica, Adali also brought up a possible deal for Andreas Schjelderup, whom the new coach, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has reportedly requested. A similar loan with an option to buy proposal was submitted for the 21-year-old winger.
As for Gedson Fernandes, who previously played for Besiktas, Benfica is demanding €10 million ($11.71 million) for 50% of his rights. The Istanbul club has requested a discount, but Benfica has not shown willingness to reduce the price at this stage. Negotiations for both players are expected to continue in the coming days.
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