Premier League heavyweights Liverpool are reportedly considering a move to sign 23-year-old Dutch-born Turkish playmaker Orkun Kokcu from SL Benfica.
According to a report by Record, as relayed by Sport Witness, Orkun Kokcu is the subject of interest from Liverpool. The Merseyside club recently scouts to watch the Dutch-born Turkish playmaker in SL Benfica’s 4-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League. Meanwhile, the Portuguese giants want around €80 million to part ways with the creative midfielder.
The rise and rise of Orkun Kokcu
Orkun Kokcu has been one of the most productive midfielders in Europe in the last half a decade. A native of Haarlem, the Dutch-born playmaker spent his formative years in the Netherlands, passing through the academies at five clubs and graduating from the youth division at Feyenoord.
The 23-year-old grew in stature exponentially at Feyenoord and became the club captain, achieving big things in his decade-long stint with the Dutch outfit. However, Kokcu’s spell with Feyenoord ended last year, with SL Benfica signing him in July 2023. Since then, he has gone from strength to strength.
The Turkish international has continued performing at a high level, chipping in with four goals and three assists in nine appearances across all competitions. Meanwhile, Kokcu’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe, including Liverpool.
Premier League move on the horizon?
Liverpool mulled over signing Orkun Kokcu from SL Benfica in the summer transfer window before a move failed to see the light of day. The continued interest in the Turk is understandable, even though Dominik Szoboszlai is the undisputed first-choice playmaker for the Merseyside outfit.
In addition, Kokcu can reprise multiple roles in the middle of the park, making him an appealing target for Liverpool. The Reds have recently scouted the Dutch-born Turkish playmaker, watching him in Benfica’s 4-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League. Meanwhile, Kokcu will not come cheap, with Benfica demanding around €80 million to part ways with him.
While Kokcu’s contract with Benfica has a release clause worth €150 million, the Portuguese giants are open to cashing in on him for €80 million. While the price tag is still steep, the 23-year-old has the potential and age profile to justify the heavy investment.
