Marco Silva, Benfica's coach, is said to have helped convince Dodi Lukebakio to stay at the club. The Belgian winger was in a position to leave, but the Portuguese coach's intervention was decisive in blocking his transfer.
Sunderland tried to sign the player in the last few hours, but the negotiation failed. The English club failed to reach an agreement with Benfica for the transfer of the 27-year-old winger.
Despite Sunderland's failed approach, Besiktas has not given up on Lukebakio. The Turkish club continues to try to sign the Belgian player, remaining as a potential destination for the winger.
Lukebakio, who plays for the Belgian national team, now appears to be set to stay at Benfica, after coming close to leaving during this transfer window.
