Portuguese forward Rafa Silva has completed his move back to Benfica, officially ending his tenure with Beşiktaş JK after just one season. The transfer, finalized amid internal club changes and performance concerns at Beşiktaş, sees the 32-year-old return to his former club in a deal reportedly worth up to €7 million with performance-based bonuses. Silva’s departure marks a important shift for the Turkish Super Lig team and a notable return to Portugal for the veteran attacker.
New Salary
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The transfer of Rafa Silva to Beşiktaş is now official. The Turkish club announced via its official channels that the Portuguese forward has moved to his former team, Benfica. The agreement between the two clubs is complete, and the 32-year-old player has decided to continue his career back in his home country, bringing an end to his time with Beşiktaş.
Rafa Silva’s departure from Beşiktaş will bring a significant transfer fee to the club. The deal is reportedly worth a €5 million transfer fee, plus an additional €2 million in potential bonuses. The total package could reach approximately €7 million. According to reports from the Portuguese press, specifically A Bola, Silva was earning around €6 million net per year in Turkey. His new contract with Benfica is expected to see his annual income fall to approximately €2.2 million – a figure similar to what he earned at Benfica before his move to Turkey.
The 32-year-old attacker joined Beşiktaş during the 2024 summer transfer window and quickly established himself as one of the team’s top scorers. However, changes in Beşiktaş’s leadership – including both the president and head coach – coupled with disappointing results, led to Silva’s desire to leave. Despite lengthy discussions with President Serdal Adalı and coach Sergen Yalçın, a resolution couldn’t be reached, and the star player reportedly distanced himself from the team in recent months. Silva made 65 appearances for Beşiktaş, scoring 23 goals and providing 16 assists.
