With Benfica watching, Besiktas make bold call on Rafa Silva | OneFootball

Rafa Silva was left out of Besiktas’ squad for the heated clash against Fenerbahçe. This absence confirms the scenario of separation, leaving the Portuguese player – who may terminate his contract – out of action in a decisive duel. The decision deepens the existing crisis, at a time when there is speculation about the athlete’s immediate future away from Turkey.

Benfica only wants the winger on a free transfer

The tension between the winger and the club’s management has recently reached unsustainable levels. Although he was called up for the previous match, the hostile atmosphere became evident at halftime. While he was playing with the ball on the pitch, the forward was met with a monumental chorus of boos from the stands.

Benfica is closely monitoring this instability, keeping a keen eye on developments. The club’s goal is to secure Rafa Silva only on a free transfer. Rui Costa refuses to pay any fee to Besiktas, preferring to wait for the player to resolve his contract before making a formal, definitive offer.

The match that led to his exclusion counts towards the first round of Group C in the Türkiye Kupasi. The opening whistle is scheduled for this Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. The stage for this classic will be the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, home of Fenerbahçe, where Besiktas will try to win.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.