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Blow for Tottenham as Benfica star wants Besiktas move

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Rohan Sengupta | Last updated Jul 10, 2025 9:14 AM ET

Tottenham-linked Benfica midfielder Orkun Kokcu has made his desire clear to join Turkish club Besiktas

For Tottenham Hotspur to compete on multiple fronts next season, including the Champions League, Daniel Levy must aim to back Thomas Frank in the summer transfer window. The Lilywhites need to bring in reinforcements quickly and give the 51-year-old a fair chance to build on the Europa League success next season.

So far, Thomas Frank has overseen the permanent capture of Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich and the addition of Japanese defensive prospect Kota Takai from Kawasaki Frontale. Having good depth in all areas of the pitch will only prove to be beneficial in the long-run, which means Spurs need a lot more than just Tel and Takai.

Many key midfielders struggled to get going last season, and the same cannot happen under Frank if Spurs wants to compete for the top spots in the Premier League. There is a huge need to bring in a versatile midfielder who can not only help in controlling games but is also effective out of possession.

Recent reports claim Tottenham are interested in signing Benfica midfielder Orkun Kokcu. The 24-year-old has performed well for Benfica since arriving from Feyenoord in the summer of 2023. He enjoyed a productive last campaign that yielded 12 goals and 11 assists in 55 appearances.

This has seen the Turkish international also piqued interest from clubs such as Liverpool and Inter Milan. Now, there is a new entrant in the race for the central midfielder’s signature.

Orkun Kokcu wants Besiktas move

According to transfer news guru Fabrizio Romano on X, Orkun Kokcu has informed Benfica of his desire to join Besiktas. Negotiations are starting between Besiktas and Benfica as clubs have already discussed details of the move.

Kokcu is ready to leave Benfica after two seasons and head to Turkey. It is a bit strange considering he is only 24 years old and has a lot to offer at the highest level.

Big blow for Tottenham?

The Netherlands-born Turkish midfielder’s desire to join Besiktas should come as a blow for Tottenham, especially when recent reports suggested that he wants to enter into discussions with the North London club over a potential move.

He can operate across the middle of the park, adding energy, guile and poise to their midfield unit. At 24, it is fair to say that Kokcu still has his best years ahead of him. He would perfectly fit into Thomas Frank’s system, as well as, improve the depth of the Lilywhites’ squad.

Now, Daniel Levy should shift his focus on other alternatives after learning about Kokcu’s desire.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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