Alper Yemeniciler, who previously served as Fenerbahce's communications director and football press coordinator, stated on a YouTube program that José Mourinho attempted to sign 32-year-old Portuguese forward Rafa Silva at the beginning of the season while managing the club. Yemeniciler said that Mourinho had informed him that the player wanted to move to Fenerbahce. The transfer did not happen because moving a prominent player from Besiktas to Fenerbahce was deemed a complex process. This information has reportedly generated considerable controversy in Turkey, surfacing alongside claims that Rafa Silva's dissatisfaction at Besiktas has increased after coach Sergen Yalçın's arrival, which has reinforced his desire to leave. Following Mourinho's recent appointment at Benfica, there have also been rumors that the player is interested in returning to his former club in Portugal. Silva joined Besiktas in July 2024 and has a contract until 2027. He has scored 5 goals in 10 league games this season. According to Transfermarkt, his market value is €7.00m. Club Brugge and Al Ahli have also been associated with the player, who has 25 caps for Portugal.