A Homecoming in Prime Time: Orkun Kökçü

Transfers happen. Every week, every window. But some aren’t just business. Some are about belonging. Orkun Kökçü to Beşiktaş? That’s one of those rare moves that makes you stop for a second. It’s not just about squad depth, tactics, or numbers. It’s about home.

In this piece, we explore why 25-year-old Orkun Kökçü chose to take the bold step of playing in Turkey for the first time, joining not just any team, but the club he’s loved since childhood. He could’ve easily chosen the Premier League, Serie A, or any of the other top five league clubs, keeping in mind there was concrete interest from some of Europe’s biggest names. However, all he wanted was Beşiktaş. He didn’t negotiate with other clubs.

We dive into the story behind the transfer, Orkun Kökcü’s evolution as a player, and what this signing really means for Beşiktaş, on and off the pitch.

Why This Move Matters

Since lifting the title in the 2020-21 season under the legendary Sergen Yalçın, Beşiktaş has been spinning in a storm. Nine different head coaches have taken charge, the club’s management has changed twice, and an identity crisis has taken root, running from the locker room through to the board room. Meanwhile, rivals Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe have strengthened both on and off the pitch, leaving Beşiktaş struggling to close a growing gap. It wasn’t just about losing the league; the club had lost a sense of spirit, a reason to believe again. In this chaos, Orkun Kökçü’s arrival isn’t just another name on the team sheet; it’s a statement.

Orkun Kökçü was born in the Netherlands to a Turkish immigrant family, growing up between two cultures. Of the two worlds he grew up in, it was his Turkish roots and his bond with Beşiktaş that always felt the most personal, the most real. The stories his father shared about Beşiktaş, the close connection with its fans, and the passion that boiled inside him always stayed with Orkun. Orkun Kökcü had chances for bigger paychecks and attractive offers from many European clubs, but Beşiktaş meant something more to him. At 25, joining his boyhood club wasn’t about the next step; it was a decision rooted in where he felt he genuinely belonged.

Beşiktaş Bet Big, They Might Have Bet Right

Orkun Kökçü is a modern midfield engine, possessing a playmaker’s vision with elite ball-progressing ability. He started his career as a classic number 10, but has since evolved into a deep-lying midfielder who can control the tempo, break lines with his dribbling, and contribute on both ends of the pitch. In addition to his versatility, Kökçü has shown the ability to adapt across multiple roles, playing as a dynamic No.8 or advanced playmaker for the Turkish national team and previously at Feyenoord, while taking on a deeper, more controlling role at Benfica. He’s a tempo-setter, comfortable receiving the ball under pressure and acting as the key link between phases of play. He’s the kind of player who delivers from set pieces, hates losing more than anything, and brings just the right amount of fire to the pitch.

Figure 1: Overview of Orkun Kökçü’s positions and performance metrics at Feyenoord and Benfica

At Feyenoord, he progressed through the academy to become the club captain under Arne Slot. In the 2022–23 season, he led the club to the Eredivisie title and was named the Dutch League’s Player of the Year. That summer, he completed a high-profile move to Benfica (29.7 mil euro), becoming the third most expensive signing in the club’s history. For a club more used to developing and selling talent than investing heavily in proven names, it was a strong indication of trust in his potential.

Figure 2: Benfica’s top 10 most expensive transfers

During his two seasons at Benfica, Orkun failed to clinch the league title, not due to any underperformance on his part, but because Sporting Lisbon, first led by Rúben Amorim and later Rui Borges, was writing one of the most dominant chapters in its recent history. In his debut season, he contributed 7 goals and 9 assists in 43 games, solid numbers for a player adapting to a new country. The following year, his stats improved to 12 goals and 7 assists in 51 games, but a coaching shift changed everything. After Roger Schmidt was replaced by Bruno Lage, Orkun and Bruno never found the right rhythm together. During the FIFA Club World Cup, tensions surfaced publicly when he was subbed off. At that moment, it became obvious that something had to change.

Benfica had high expectations, but Orkun wanted more tactical freedom on the pitch and a fresh start closer to home. As things turned sour and his desire to join his boyhood club grew, parting ways became inevitable. Under Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Beşiktaş will be reliant on him not just for organisation on the pitch but for something more. After years of instability, the club has long needed someone who can lead with both character and performance. Orkun Kökçü has the skill set and mentality to become the kind of figure Beşiktaş fans have been missing. He possesses the mix of footballing intelligence and resilience to step into a leading role. The type of player fans love to see in black and white is relentless, committed, and never backs down from a challenge. Ever since Atiba Hutchinson, Beşiktaş fans have quietly waited for someone to bring that same spirit back.

Tempo Setter, Space Finder, Game Shaper

Let’s dive into Orkun’s performances at Feyenoord and Benfica, who he’s played alongside, and how he could become even more effective at Beşiktaş with the right system and teammates. First, a quick look back at recent seasons. In the 2022-23 campaign, Orkun mostly lined up on the left side of a double pivot midfield in Slot’s preferred 4-2-3-1 setup, especially against tougher opponents. When Feyenoord switched to a more aggressive 4-3-3, he stepped up a bit as a left-sided central midfielder. His touch map from that season confirms this positioning, showing he spent most of his time in those areas. Orkun recorded 2,938 touches in this season (2022-23), the second-highest in the league, behind only Ajax’s Jurrien Timber (now at Arsenal). His influence isn’t tied to a single position; wherever the ball is, he’s there, constantly shaping the play.

Figure 3: Orkun Kökçü heat maps – Feyenoord (2022–23), Benfica (2023–24 & 2024–25).

Orkun isn’t just a maestro in setting up play; he’s also a key contributor when it comes to winning the ball back, providing the team with much-needed energy and pressure high up the pitch. One stat says it all about how crucial Orkun was to Feyenoord’s title-winning run: he led the Eredivisie in progressive passes, averaging an impressive 12.65 per 90 minutes. Orkun Kökçü was also a crucial player in Feyenoord’s ball recovery in wide areas, consistently winning back possession and starting attacks from the flanks. In that season, Feyenoord dominated the Eredivisie in winning possession in the attacking third, and Kökçü topped his team’s charts for recoveries as well.

Figure 4: Key Progression Statistics - Kökçü’s last 3 seasons vs 2024-25 Big 5 Players.

Across two seasons at Benfica, Orkun Kökçü featured in 98 matches, working under two different managers, 43 appearances in his debut campaign, followed by 55 in his second year. In 2023–24, he often formed a midfield partnership with João Neves, playing a key role in transitioning the team from build-up to attack. That season also marked peak form for Benfica’s attacking duo: Rafa Silva (22 goals, 12 assists) and Ángel Di María (17 goals, 13 assists). Kökçü’s chemistry with Rafa Silva and Di María was impressive, linking plays and feeding the final third consistently. As one of the team’s most reliable and progressive passers, his influence in the build-up phase was instrumental. No wonder things are starting to look familiar in Istanbul. Beşiktaş seems to be building its own Lisbon branch. With Rafa, João Mário, Gedson, Jurásek, and now Orkun, there are already five former Benfica players in the squad, hinting at a growing transfer connection between the two clubs.

Figure 5: Orkun Kökçü’s Final Third & Chances Creation Stats 2023-24 season vs 2024-25 Big 5 League

For Benfica, the 2024–25 season was a period of transition. João Neves was sold to Paris Saint-Germain for €60 million plus €10 million in add-ons. Veteran leaders like Rafa Silva and João Mário also left, beginning a new era. In classic Benfica fashion, the club made a smart turnaround, selling Brazilian forward Marcos Leonardo to Al-Hilal for close to double the €22 million fee they paid to Santos just eight months earlier. The business continued with David Neres, who joined Napoli for €28 million.

According to the CIES Football Observatory report in 2022, Benfica generated the most revenue from academy-developed players in world football. Between 2015 and 2022 alone, they generated €379 million from academy talent. João Félix, Rúben Dias, Bernardo Silva, Ederson, João Cancelo, Gonçalo Ramos, Renato Sanches, completing a pipeline of talent that continues to shape European football. Apart from academy success, Benfica have also mastered the short-term buy-and-sell model. Players like Enzo Fernández, Darwin Núñez, Raúl Jiménez, and Gonçalo Guedes are just a few standout examples of how well the club has performed in the transfer market.

To rebuild the squad, Benfica turned to AZ Alkmaar’s goal machine Vangelis Pavlidis, signed Kerem Aktürkoğlu from Galatasaray, and added a few names like Manu Silva, Bruma, Benjamin Rolheiser, Álvaro Carreras, Zeki Amdouni (on loan), and Leandro Barreiro. But just four games into the season, manager Roger Schmidt was sacked. A former manager of the club, Bruno Lage, who had coached at Wolves and briefly at Botafogo, was appointed to calm the waters. Benfica’s form under Bruno Lage wasn’t bad through mid-December.

In the redesigned 36-team Champions League format, the team finished 17th in the group phase and booked their place in the knockout stage by overcoming Monaco in the playoffs. However, they were drawn against one of Europe’s hottest teams, a Barcelona side reborn under Hansi Flick, and were eliminated following 3–1 and 1–0 losses. Domestically, the title race was close. In the 33rd week of the season (one before the final game), Benfica failed to beat Sporting Lisbon at home, which handed the league trophy to their rivals. Given the high turnover and early-season turbulence, it wasn’t exactly a campaign to remember for Benfica. But for Orkun, it was a strong individual campaign.

Elite by the Numbers, Elegant on the Ball

Despite the changes around him, Orkun quickly became one of Benfica’s most consistent performers. Alongside fellow newcomer Kerem Aktürkoğlu, he was one of the brightest players in the first half of the season. According to FBref statistics, he finished first in the league in progressive passes (10.56 per 90), key passes (2.60 per 90), passes into the penalty area (2.39 per 90), expected assisted goals (xAG) at 0.26 per 90, and shot-creating actions (5.06 per 90). Additionally, his progressive carries (2.22 per 90) ranked him in the 92nd percentile league-wide.

Figure 6: Portugal Primeira Liga Progressive Passes 2024–25 Season

Even in a transitional squad and under evolving tactical demands, Orkun consistently delivered performances reminiscent of his peak Feyenoord days. Despite the team being in flux and adapting to new tactics, he maintained a high level of play that reflected his standout form at Feyenoord. Still, with a high price tag and Benfica trailing Sporting Lisbon, first led by Amorim and then Rui Borges, expectations from fans and media remained sky-high. Below is a graphic that highlights just how influential his season was, showing the impact he had on the pitch.

Figure 7: Orkun Kökçü’s 2024-25 Benfica stats percentiles compared to Big 5 Leagues midfielders

Kökçü at the Core: Building Beşiktaş’s Midfield Identity

Over the past few seasons, Kökçü has evolved into a midfielder who not only sets the rhythm of play but also knows when to take control. He’s the kind of player who senses the tempo of a match with his feel for space, progression, momentum, and tenacity. He also brings the fire, the urgency, drive, and refusal to accept defeat that every team needs in tough moments. The 23 yellow cards he’s picked up across the last two league seasons are, in a way, a reflection of that fire.

All that experience now converges with a Beşiktaş side searching for rhythm and identity. Around him, the midfield is forming: Gedson Fernandes brings energy and dynamism, while Demir Ege Tıknaz, a 2004-born academy graduate who impressed at Rio Ave, returns with added maturity and confidence. Last season in the Portuguese league, he averaged 2.14 interceptions per 90 minutes (98th percentile), 2.64 tackles (83rd percentile), and 1.55 blocks (92nd percentile), clear indicators of his increased aggression, timing, and ability to disrupt the opposition’s play.

We believe Beşiktaş could gain a lot by adding a destroyer-type holding midfielder alongside Orkun and Gedson, a true No.6 who can disrupt opposition build-up and serve as a defensive pillar, providing the team with more tactical depth and stability. A signing like that wouldn’t just strengthen the midfield, it could boost Orkun and Gedson's performances significantly. If, however, Demir Ege Tıknaz returns better than expected, that could turn into the surprising ‘internal transfer’ of the summer, showing that he’s ready to take on the role himself.

Such a bold statement wouldn’t just be about confidence, it would be an inspiration. This would excite Solskjær, lift the dressing room, and remind fans that sometimes, the answers are already homegrown. In this environment, Orkun takes on a key role guiding promising academy talents such as Demir Ege, Semih Kılıçsoy, and Mustafa Hekimoğlu.

Up front, the picture could be completed by Tammy Abraham, on loan from Roma, who offers a mix of experience, physicality, and movement. Kökçü’s arrival could trigger a domino effect for both Tammy Abraham and Rafa Silva. Abraham, who has played just 15 full matches over the past two seasons, is desperate to rediscover his old form. Beşiktaş and the Turkish Super League could be the perfect testing ground for him. Behind Tammy, young talents like Semih Kılıçsoy and Mustafa Hekimoğlu will be pushing hard for more minutes, while Ecuadorian forward Kenny Arroyo, regarded as one of South America’s brightest attacking prospects, will also be competing for playing time, creating the kind of competitive environment that Beşiktaş requires to succeed in its rebuilding process.

Beyond individual talent and competition, there’s a bigger story here. Beşiktaş has long missed a sense of belonging, a beating heart. Since Atiba Hutchinson’s departure, that quiet leadership and vital connection have been hard to replace. Orkun Kökçü has the potential to fill that role, not just as the team’s brain, but as its very pulse. Catching up to stronger rivals isn’t something you solve with a single signing, not in today’s game, not ever. This move might just fast-track the process by a few transfer windows. That’s how much it means.

How It All Fits: Building Beşiktaş’s 2025/26 Structure

This piece isn’t just a transfer analysis; it’s about rebirth. Orkun Kökçü’s arrival isn’t only about bringing in a playmaker; it could be a turning point for a club that’s been searching for its direction for years. Beşiktaş didn’t just sign a midfielder. They Signed a Mood. With Orkun Kökçü at the heart of the system, let’s take a look at how Beşiktaş could line up this season based on current signings and tactical needs.

We are moving quickly past the goalkeeper position because Beşiktaş has Mert Günok between the posts. With Ersin Destanoğlu acting as a capable backup, there’s no pressing need to explore further options at this point. In central defence, one of the more experienced players who can guide this transition is ex-Atlético Madrid Gabriel Paulista. Alongside the Brazilian centre-back, Beşiktaş urgently needs a strong, ball-playing partner. If Emirhan Topçu and Tayyip Talha Sanuç remain as rotation options, and a high-calibre, top-level centre-back is brought in to play in tandem with Paulista, the backline will offer more solidity and confidence. On the left side, after bringing in David Jurásek on loan with a purchase option, Beşiktaş adjusted their left-back profile following Arthur Masuaku’s departure. Emrecan Terzi, a homegrown product, will serve as the main left-back alternative.

Meanwhile, on the right flank, the club reached an agreement with Kyle Walker-Peters (27), whose contract with Southampton had just expired this summer. Compared to Jonas Svensson, the Englishman brings more attacking intent, pace, and overall dynamism, qualities that could make a real difference in the Süper Lig. In midfield, Orkun Kökçü will lead the line with Gedson Fernandes and Demir Ege Tıknaz, whose pre-season performances will play a key role in shaping the depth chart. Against weaker opponents at home, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer might prefer using a two-striker formation, pairing Tammy Abraham with Semih Kılıçsoy and starting Rafa Silva just behind them. Meanwhile, Rafa Silva, playing in the hole behind two strikers in a 4-3-1-2 system, could become an even more dangerous weapon, offering fresh attacking dimensions and sharpening Beşiktaş’s final-third performance. Alternatively, Rafa could shift out wide to the left, along with a quick, creative right-winger, possibly a new signing, delivering quality passes to feed both Abraham and Semih (assuming Semih continues his upward trajectory and realises his potential). Since the departure of Rachid Ghezzal, Beşiktaş has struggled to find at least one, ideally two wingers, on both flanks, who can turn possession into productivity, adding goals, assists, and unpredictability in crucial moments.

This structure allows tactical flexibility and attacking variety. The transfer window is still open, and key additions could further shape this squad. At this point, in mid-July, clearly there’s still a lot to happen. Taking into account all players who may join or leave, Orkun Kökçü stands out as the catalyst for this transformation, setting a fire at the club. We expect the domino effect of this signing to be felt strongly in Turkish football, especially over the next few seasons.

Figure 8: Beşiktaş Possible and Alternative Starting XIs Next Season

On Sunday, at Tüpraş Stadium, nearly 25,000 fans gathered to welcome him home in an emotional signing ceremony. As Orkun Kökçü raised his voice, leading the 'üçlü' chant with the fire and devotion of someone who’s carried Beşiktaş in his heart since childhood, it was more than just a celebration, it was a vow. Because in football, some moves are more than transfers; they’re the start of something bigger, something more meaningful, and simply priceless.

📸 Instagram post: [here] 🎥 Full ceremony on YouTube: [here]