Liverpool’s recently appointed manager, Arne Slot, has wasted no time in targeting reinforcements for the upcoming 2024-25 season, with reports suggesting that he has set his sights on Orkun Kokcu as a priority signing. Kokcu, who previously flourished under Slot’s guidance at Feyenoord, emerged as a standout talent before making a move to Benfica in a £26 million deal in 2023.
During the current season, Kokcu has been instrumental in Benfica’s successes, playing a pivotal role in their second-place finish in the Primeira Liga and their triumph in the Supertaca Candido de Oliveira. The Turkish playmaker showcased his versatility and influence on the pitch, starting in 33 out of 43 matches for Benfica, while contributing seven goals and providing 11 assists. Notably, his proficiency in set-piece situations adds an additional dimension to his gameplay, further enhancing his value to potential suitors.
Turkish news outlet Fotospor has reported Slot’s keen interest in securing Kokcu’s services for Liverpool, highlighting the manager’s familiarity with the player’s abilities and potential to integrate seamlessly into his tactical setup. However, Liverpool may face stiff competition from Besiktas in their pursuit of Kokcu, indicating that securing his signature could be a competitive affair.
The addition of Kokcu to Liverpool’s roster would undoubtedly bolster the squad’s depth and quality, particularly in midfield. With the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai, Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones, and Ryan Gravenberch already in contention for starting positions, Kokcu’s arrival would intensify competition for places and provide manager Slot with valuable options to rotate and adapt his lineup according to tactical requirements.
As transfer speculation continues to swirl around Kokcu’s future, Liverpool fans will be eager to see whether their club can successfully secure his services and how his potential arrival could impact their fortunes in the upcoming season.