Orkun Kokçu Bids Farewell to Benfica After Loan Move to Besiktas
Turkish international thanks teammates and fans after sealing €25M transfer deal
Orkun Kokçu has officially bid farewell to Benfica fans after completing his transfer to Besiktas. The Turkish midfielder, who arrived at the Portuguese giants as the club’s record signing, used social media to leave a short yet heartfelt message.
“Thank you to all my teammates, coaches, and fans for the time I spent at the club. I wish you all the best for the future,” wrote Kokçu via Instagram Stories.
The 23-year-old has joined Besiktas on loan until the end of the season, with a mandatory purchase clause set at €25 million, plus an additional €5 million in bonuses depending on performance targets.
Fallout After World Cup and Internal Dispute
Kokçu’s departure began to gain traction following the Club World Cup, where a heated on-field argument with coach Bruno Lage during the match against Auckland City reportedly created tension within the squad.
Although Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe initially showed interest, Besiktas acted quickly, sealing the deal that brings Kokçu home for his first-ever professional club stint in Turkey.
Benfica’s Most Expensive Signing Leaves After 2 Seasons
Kokçu arrived at Benfica in 2023 from Feyenoord, in a €25 million deal (plus €5 million in bonuses) making him the most expensive signing in the club’s history.
Despite high expectations, Kokçu’s time in Lisbon was marked by inconsistency and off-field tension. Over two seasons, he managed to:
- Appear in 98 matches
- Score 19 goals
- Deliver 22 assists
- Accumulate 6,949 minutes on the pitch
- Win 2 titles: the 2024 Super Cup and the 2024 League Cup
Final Words from Lisbon
While his Benfica chapter closes on a mixed note, Kokçu now looks ahead to a fresh start with Besiktas, where he hopes to revive his form and confidence under the spotlight of the Süper Lig and the Turkish fanbase.
