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Portuguese midfielder Rafa Silva, who recently declared he would stay at Besiktas after threatening to leave, has once again sparked controversy by not attending the team’s latest indoor training session. Despite having stated that he would remain at the Istanbul club, his continued absence has led observers to believe that the dispute is far from settled.
Sources close to the club say Rafa Silva did not join the morning fitness session, repeating his previous stance of missing indoor training practices. His repeated absence has raised doubts about his long-term commitment and has suggested that the internal crisis is ongoing, even though the player had earlier stepped back from his intention to leave the club.
Rafa Silva had initially informed the club that he wanted to depart, claiming he was unhappy. However, Besiktas President Serdal Adali reportedly responded firmly, telling him: “Either you train and play, or you bring the fee we demand and leave, or you sit on the bench for the remaining one and a half years of your contract.” Following this statement, Rafa Silva announced that he would stay.
Head coach Sergen Yalcin has maintained a clear and consistent position throughout the dispute. He reportedly sent the message that “The shirt is worn in the dressing room. I look only at what happens on the pitch. If you attend training, you play.”
This stance reflects Yalcin’s focus on discipline and performance, rather than external negotiations or contractual pressure.
According to local reports, Rafa Silva, who currently has no outstanding financial receivables from Besiktas, allegedly requested the immediate payment of all earnings due until the end of the season.
These claims indicate that he might be using financial leverage ahead of the upcoming league match against Samsunspor, further straining relations between the player and the club.
Another claim suggests that Rafa Silva has held talks with two different clubs within Türkiye regarding a potential transfer. In response, club president Adali reportedly emphasized during a recent press conference that he would never allow Rafa Silva to play for another club in Türkiye, underlining the club’s strong stance on protecting its interests.
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