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Benfica head coach Jose Mourinho admitted that his team feels the absence of Turkish winger Kerem Akturkoglu, who transferred to Fenerbahce at the start of the season.
Speaking after Benfica’s 3–0 loss to Newcastle United in the UEFA Champions League, Mourinho acknowledged the gap left by the former Benfica player.
At the post-match press conference, Mourinho praised the 25-year-old footballer, who joined Türkiye’s Fenerbahce during the summer transfer window.
“A player I like very much is no longer here. We feel the absence of Kerem Akturkoglu. But since he was offered five times his salary here, there was nothing the club could do,” Mourinho said.
His words highlighted not only the influence Akturkoglu had during his time with Benfica but also the financial pull of his transfer offer from Fenerbahce.
The winger has become one of the standout signings in the Turkish Super Lig this season, quickly adapting to Fenerbahce’s attacking system.
Benfica’s defeat against Newcastle left the Portuguese club without any points after three group-stage matches, intensifying pressure on Mourinho’s squad.
The loss marked their third consecutive setback in the competition, emphasizing how much the team relies on creative attackers like Akturkoglu to break through strong defenses.
Mourinho’s comments have also drawn attention in both Portugal and Türkiye, as Akturkoglu continues to shine in his new team while Benfica seeks to regain its rhythm in Europe.
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