Liverpool FC Targets Orkun Kokcu

Liverpool FC is ramping up efforts to secure the services of Benfica midfielder Orkun Kokcu, a player who has already expressed enthusiasm about potentially joining the Reds. This move comes from the strategic mind of new manager Arne Slot, who previously coached Kokcu at Feyenoord.

Portuguese outlet Correio da Manha reports that Liverpool, recognizing Kokcu's talents, is magnifying their proposals to bring him to Anfield. The 23-year-old Turkey international made his switch to Benfica last summer for €25 million, which is a record fee for the club, surpassing the amount spent on current Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez in 2020.

Kokcu has made quite an impression since joining the Eagles, participating in 43 games last season, scoring seven goals, and showing significant promise. His explosive form has carried into the current campaign, where he has netted four times and recorded three assists across just nine appearances in the Primeira Liga and the Champions League.

Kokcu's Background and Performance

Originally from the Netherlands, Kokcu developed through Feyenoord’s youth academy, amassing 175 appearances and clinching the Eredivisie title under Slot during the 2022/23 season. While initial reports indicated that Kokcu was eager to reunite with Slot at Liverpool this past summer, he now appears focused on establishing himself at Benfica.

Currently, Kokcu's contract includes a whopping release clause of €150 million (£126 million/$164.6 million). With such a high price tag, reports suggest that Liverpool is prepared to invest significantly to acquire this midfield magician.

Liverpool's Recent Performance Under Slot

Slot's tenure at Liverpool has garnered immense success, with the club soaring to the top of the Premier League table after winning six of his first seven matches in charge. The transformation is palpable, as players like Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, and Ryan Gravenberch shine under his careful coaching. Despite the strong midfield already fortified with new signings like Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, Slot remains on the hunt for more talent, and Kokcu is firmly on his radar.

Challenges in Negotiating a Transfer

Moreover, Liverpool scouts were spotted during Benfica’s recent dominant 4-0 victory against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, where Kokcu put on a standout performance that included scoring a penalty.

However, negotiating a transfer could be tricky. Historically, Benfica is known for demanding substantial fees for their star players, as Liverpool knows all too well from their previous dealings, such as the £75 million fee for Nunez. Reports indicate that Benfica would be looking for at least €80 million (£66.9 million/$87.5 million) should they consider parting ways with Kokcu mid-season.

Potential Departures from Liverpool

On the flip side, Liverpool could potentially offload one of their current midfield options to make space for Kokcu. Wataru Endo, who was acquired from Stuttgart for £16 million just over a year ago, could be on the move, with Serie A champions Inter Milan reportedly showing interest. Despite Endo’s desire to stay and prove himself under the new manager, the trajectory of his Liverpool career under Slot may suggest otherwise.

Kokcu's Journey and Future Prospects

Orkun Kokcu is not just a star on the verge of a monumental transfer; his story includes a fascinating journey. Born in Haarlem, Netherlands, he joined Feyenoord's youth setup at the tender age of 13. He debuted for the senior team at 17 in a cup match, swiftly making his mark by scoring on his Eredivisie debut. Although he initially played for the Dutch youth sides, Kokcu later opted to represent Turkey at the under-21 level before making his senior debut in 2020. As club captain at Feyenoord, he led his team to the Eredivisie title and solidified his status as one of the league's finest talents.

With murmurs of a potential transfer heating up and the January window approaching, Liverpool fans are eager to see how the saga unfolds. Will Kokcu make the leap to Merseyside, or will Benfica hold onto their rising star? Stay tuned!