Portuguese media: Clubs are queuing up for former Feyenoord captain after touted Benfica exit | OneFootball

Portuguese media (via Voetbal International) are becoming increasingly convinced that Orkun Kökcü is in his final weeks at Benfica. The former Feyenoord captain is now being strongly linked with Inter Milan, Besiktas, Newcastle United, and a move to Saudi Arabia.

Kökcü has been under contract with Benfica for almost two years now and has a current deal that runs to the summer of 2028. However, the incident between the 24-year-old midfielder and manager Bruno Lage at the Club World Cup continues to be a topic of discussion in the Portuguese media. It’s reportedly one of the reasons Kökcü is open to parting ways with O Glorioso.

Last week, Kökcü was first linked with a move to Inter, reportedly being seen as a successor to Hakan Çalhanoğlu. However, the Nerazzurri are believed to prefer Ederson from Atalanta. Another option has emerged with Besiktas.

According to O Jogo, a delegation from the Turkish club has already travelled to Portugal to discuss the transfer. A potential 30 million euro deal would make him the most expensive incoming player in the club’s history after Moatasem Al-Musrati’s 11 million euro arrival from Braga.

Bringing in the rear are Newcastle United and clubs from Saudi Arabia. According to O Jogo, the Magpies are willing to make an offer for the 41-cap international this summer. A Bola reports that fees from Saudi Arabia could be “irresistible” and that, given his relatively young age, Kökcü could still return to top-tier European football after.

The Saudi Arabian Sovereign Fund (PIF) has reportedly started negotiations with Benfica and Kökcü, and a minimum transfer fee of 40 million euros is being discussed. That would be the most favourable scenario for Feyenoord, as the Rotterdam club has negotiated a 25% resale share in 2023.