Dodi Lukebakio could leave Benfica before the summer transfer window closes, with Turkish club Besiktas leading the race to sign the Belgian international winger.
The 28-year-old player has failed to establish himself as a regular starter under manager Marco Silva and is open to departing the Estádio da Luz during the current transfer period. Benfica's corporate board, SAD, has also refused to rule out a transfer if a suitable proposal arrives.
French newspaper L'Equipe reported that Besiktas have submitted an initial bid worth 20 million euros. However, that figure falls short of Benfica's valuation, as the Portuguese club want to recoup more than the 20 million euros they paid to sign the winger last summer.
Despite the initial rejection, the Istanbul side are expected to make a renewed attempt to sign the Belgian winger before the Turkish transfer window closes on 4 September. Besiktas previously attempted to sign Greek striker Vangelis Pavlidis from Benfica earlier in the transfer window.
Lack of playing time prompts transfer rethink
Lukebakio stated recently that his intention was to remain in Portugal, having purchased a home in the country to prove the qualities that led Benfica to hire him. However, his limited playing time across the club's first seven official matches of the season has prompted him to reconsider his immediate future.
Silva does not want to lose the Belgian, but the manager admitted that a potential exit is possible because Lukebakio is not currently among his preferred options, either in the starting lineup or off the substitute bench.
Lukebakio has started just once for Benfica this season, scoring his only goal in a 1-1 Europa League draw against Scottish club Hearts.
Competition in Benfica attacking line
Silva has regularly selected Gianluca Prestianni and Rafa Silva in his starting lineups. The Benfica head coach also has Norwegian winger Andreas Schjelderup available as an option following his standout performances last season, alongside Polish summer arrival Michal Kaminski.
Lukebakio represented Belgium at the last FIFA World Cup and has earned 33 international caps for his country. The winger remains under contract with the Lisbon club until June 2030.
Benfica, based at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, play in Portugal's Primeira Liga. Besiktas are based in Istanbul and compete in the Turkish Super Lig.
