Liverpool have been handed a ‘boost’ in their pursuit of a Turkish international.
Life for Arne Slot at Anfield has started in almost perfect fashion. The Dutchman has seen his side win 11 of his 12 games in charge – with the loss coming against Nottingham Forest in September – since making the switch from Eredivisie side Feyenoord in July.
Arguably, the biggest challenge he has faced so far was when Liverpool missed out on Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi despite setting almost all their focus on him during the summer transfer window.
As a result, Ryan Gravenberch has slotted into the ‘six’ role, impressing fans with his consistent performances.
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However, with little first-team backup aside from Wataru Endo, Liverpool may be looking to recruit one of Slot’s ex-Feyenoord men.
Orkun Kokcu, 23, is currently playing for Portuguese giants Benfica, having joined the club from Feyenoord in June 2023.
Kokcu was a key man in Slot’s side during his tenure in Rotterdam, scoring eight times during the club’s 2022-23 league-winning campaign.
The Turkey international has been on the radar of Liverpool for some time, according to The Standard, with Portuguese newspaper Record claiming that Benfica would demand at least £67m if they were to let their player leave for Anfield.
Kokcu has been known to play as both a defensive and attacking midfielder, with his versatility bound to benefit the Reds if he were to join, given their hectic fixture schedule this season.
The player’s father, Halis Kokcu, recently issued an update about his son’s situation when speaking to ESPN NL.
"Arne is a good friend of ours,” he explained.
“He has been through a lot of things with Orkun [Kokcu]. Yes, why not? It’s possible [a transfer]."
“The most important thing now is Orkun’s focus, that he does well with Benfica,” he added.
"But of course, players and trainers don’t have just one station, the staff knows that too.
“In modern football, clubs think about finances, about making a profit.
“Orkun is a player who has the potential to make a profit with the next step. The fans and the club are also fine with that, of course. That was also the project. We’ll see where he ends up.”
The player’s current contract is set to run until the end of the 2027-28 season.
Topics: Liverpool, Transfer News, Premier League, Benfica, Arne Slot
Luke Davies