Beşiktaş submit formal offer for Dodi Lukebakio as right‑wing search intensifies
Beşiktaş have accelerated their hunt for a new right winger and made an official move for Benfica’s Belgian attacker Dodi Lukebakio. The Istanbul club have reportedly sent a concrete bid to the Portuguese side, outlining a structured deal built around an initial loan and a significant purchase option.
According to the information from the Turkish side, Beşiktaş’s proposal consists of a 3 million euro loan fee for the 28‑year‑old, with a 17 million euro buy option included in the agreement. In total, the package could reach 20 million euro if the option is exercised, reflecting how highly Beşiktaş value Lukebakio’s potential impact on their attacking line.
Benfica, however, are not fully convinced by a loan-based formula. The Portuguese club would prefer to part ways with Lukebakio on a permanent transfer and are understood to be demanding 20 million euro as a straight fee for his full rights. The difference in structure rather than in total valuation is currently the main point of divergence between the clubs.
Lukebakio joined Benfica at the start of last season from Sevilla, arriving in Lisbon with expectations of becoming an important piece in their attacking rotation. Over the course of the campaign, the Belgian featured in 25 matches in all competitions, contributing 2 goals and 3 assists. While those numbers are modest, his versatility, speed and one‑on‑one ability continue to attract interest from clubs seeking a dynamic winger.
Beşiktaş view Lukebakio as a key candidate to strengthen their right flank, an area the club has identified as a priority ahead of the new season. The Black‑and‑Whites want a wide player who can both finish moves and create chances, offering verticality in transition and the ability to stretch defences in the Turkish Süper Lig and in European competitions.
At the same time, Beşiktaş are keeping alternatives in mind. Should negotiations for Lukebakio fail to reach a satisfactory conclusion, the club have already lined up another high‑profile name: David Neres. The Brazilian winger, currently on the books of Napoli, is seen as another potential solution for the right side of attack.
Club president Serdal Adalı is personally involved in these talks. It is reported that he has already held direct discussions with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis regarding a possible deal for Neres. The involvement of both presidents at the negotiation table underlines how serious Beşiktaş are about landing a marquee winger during this transfer window.
From a sporting perspective, Lukebakio’s profile appears well-suited to the Süper Lig. The Belgian is known for his acceleration, ability to attack space behind the defensive line, and his comfort on the ball when isolated against full-backs. His experience across several European leagues could also be an asset in a Beşiktaş side that aims to balance domestic ambitions with strong performances in continental competitions.
Financially, the structure of Beşiktaş’s offer makes sense for a club looking to manage risk. A loan with an option to buy allows the Turkish side to evaluate Lukebakio’s adaptation to the team, league and city before committing to a full transfer. If he delivers the expected impact, triggering the 17 million euro option would then be seen as an investment in a proven performer rather than a gamble.
From Benfica’s point of view, insisting on a permanent transfer is understandable. The Portuguese club often rely on transfer income as a key part of their model and would prefer immediate financial certainty over a deal that stretches payments into the future and depends on performance or club decisions. Their 20 million euro asking price reflects both what they paid previously and the belief that the player’s market value remains high.
For Beşiktaş, the choice between Lukebakio and Neres is also a question of playing style and squad balance. Lukebakio brings a more direct, vertical game, often attacking from the right but capable of operating across the frontline. Neres, in contrast, is typically associated with flair in tight spaces, creativity and dribbling in the final third. Both players, however, share experience at a high European level and could raise the technical threshold of the Beşiktaş attack.
The timing of the decision is crucial. Beşiktaş’s technical staff want the new winger integrated into pre‑season preparations as early as possible in order to work on tactical chemistry, pressing schemes and positional rotations on the right side. A long transfer saga could complicate that process, especially if the deal is only finalized close to the start of the league season.
There is also a strategic angle regarding the broader squad building. Beşiktaş are looking to rejuvenate key positions while maintaining a core of experienced players who understand the pressure and expectations at a club of this size. At 28, Lukebakio fits the profile of a player in his prime years, with enough experience to handle big‑match pressure and enough physical capacity to contribute at a high intensity throughout the season.
For Lukebakio himself, a move to Beşiktaş would offer the chance to take on a leading role in a team where attacking players are expected to be decisive and where the atmosphere in home matches is known to be intense. Regular minutes, a central attacking responsibility and a strong platform in a football‑obsessed country could be attractive factors as he considers his future.
In the coming days, the focus will be on whether Benfica soften their stance on the structure of the deal, and whether Beşiktaş are prepared to adjust their offer to move closer to a permanent transfer. If no compromise is reached, attention could quickly swing toward David Neres and potential negotiations with Napoli.
For now, Beşiktaş have made their move: a 3 million euro loan proposal with a 17 million euro option to buy for Dodi Lukebakio is on the table, and the club are waiting for Benfica’s definitive response as they push to complete a major signing for the right wing.