Orkun Kokcu Transfer: Benfica Ace Pushes for Liverpool Switch

Orkun Kokcu transfer talk is heating up once again, and the Benfica midfielder has made it clear that England is his preferred destination. Fresh off an eye-catching debut season in Lisbon, the Turkey international is determined to reunite with incoming Reds boss Arne Slot, the coach who unlocked his potential at Feyenoord.

Why the Orkun Kokcu transfer to Liverpool makes sense

For Liverpool, midfield rebuilding has been a recurring theme since last summer. Though Jurgen Klopp’s squad added Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, depth issues persisted, especially when injuries hit. Slot knows Kokcu’s strengths inside out: tireless pressing, incisive vertical passing and a knack for breaking defensive lines. Re-uniting mentor and protégé would give the Dutch tactician a trusted on-field lieutenant while easing the adaptation period that often trips up newcomers to Anfield.

Benfica stance and potential fee

Benfica paid €25 million to sign Kokcu from Feyenoord only a year ago, so president Rui Costa will not entertain cut-price offers. Reports in Portugal suggest the Eagles want at least €45-50 million, confident that Premier League suitors can meet their valuation. While Liverpool historically negotiate hard, their willingness to splash out on key targets—see Darwin Nuñez and Cody Gakpo—hints they could stretch the budget if Slot insists on Kokcu as a cornerstone.

Snubbing Turkey’s “Big Three”

Galatasaray, Fenerbahce and Besiktas all attempted to lure the 23-year-old home, promising star status and Champions League football. Yet the player’s entourage swiftly dismissed those approaches. The allure of England’s top flight, coupled with Kokcu’s ambition to test himself in the league he admired growing up, outweighs any sentimental pull of returning to Istanbul.

Arne Slot factor in the Orkun Kokcu transfer

Slot transformed Feyenoord from domestic also-rans into Eredivisie champions, and Kokcu was the heartbeat of that revival. Deployed as a roaming No. 8, he doubled his goal tally, improved his chance-creation metrics and matured into club captain under Slot’s guidance. Sources close to the player say the bond is “unbreakable,” and Kokcu believes Slot’s tactical blueprint will flourish at Anfield, where high pressing and quick transitions remain hallmarks.

Relationship breakdown with Bruno Lage

Another driver behind the Orkun Kokcu transfer request is a deteriorating relationship with Benfica boss Bruno Lage. Portuguese media reported a heated dressing-room exchange after Kokcu questioned the coach’s conservative approach in big matches. While the club publicly played down the spat, insiders confirm tensions have lingered. A clean break to Liverpool could therefore benefit all parties.

Liverpool’s midfield shape under Slot

Slot’s 4-2-3-1 morphs into a 4-3-3 when out of possession, requiring a double pivot adept at shuttling laterally and recycling quickly. Kokcu’s stamina, press resistance and long-range passing fit the profile. Paired with Mac Allister or Wataru Endo, he would lighten the creative load on Szoboszlai while giving Trent Alexander-Arnold greater license to roam into midfield from right-back.

Premier League appeal and personal ambition

The Premier League remains the pinnacle for many Turkish talents, and Kokcu is no different. Speaking to Dutch media last year, he admitted, “Playing in England has always been the dream.” At 23, he feels the timing is perfect: young enough to adapt, but experienced enough—over 200 senior games—to cope with expectations.

Financial and squad implications for Liverpool

Pulling off the Orkun Kokcu transfer would likely end Liverpool’s pursuit of other midfielders. It could also prompt departures: Thiago Alcantara’s contract expires in June, and Tyler Morton may seek another loan. Slot’s emphasis on positional play and pressing triggers means each recruit must be tactically flexible, and Kokcu ticks those boxes.

Competition from rival English clubs

Tottenham, Brighton and Newcastle have all sent scouts to assess Kokcu, but none can offer the Slot link that Liverpool possess. Newcastle’s project is attractive, yet uncertainty over Financial Fair Play restrictions could curtail spending. Spurs’ midfield is already crowded, while Brighton prefer value buys rather than €50 million splurges.

Timeline and next steps

With Euro 2024 looming, Kokcu hopes negotiations accelerate before June so he can focus on Turkey’s campaign. Benfica, meanwhile, are bracing for bids but will play hardball until their price is met. Liverpool’s recruitment team have done early groundwork, and personal terms are expected to be straightforward—Kokcu currently earns around €2.5 million net, a figure Liverpool can comfortably improve.

What could derail the Orkun Kokcu transfer?

Three factors could scupper the move: Benfica’s valuation, Liverpool’s need to stay within budget for other reinforcements (centre-back and winger) and potential delays in Slot’s official appointment. However, sources indicate Fenway Sports Group are prepared to back their new manager in his first window, smoothing at least one of those hurdles.

Stat pack: Why Kokcu fits Liverpool’s DNA

• Progressive passes per 90: 7.9 (top 5% among Liga Portugal midfielders)
• Pressures per 90: 26.1 (top 10%)
• Distance covered per game: 11.4 km
• Goal contributions 2023-24: 6 goals, 9 assists in all competitions

The verdict on an Orkun Kokcu transfer to Anfield

Given the player’s determination, his past success under Slot and Liverpool’s midfield needs, the stars appear aligned. Benfica’s reputation for seller’s profits means a hefty fee, yet the Reds can offset that investment by offloading fringe players. All told, Kokcu could be Slot’s first statement signing, signaling a seamless evolution rather than a radical overhaul of Klopp’s legacy.

Opinion: Kokcu is not headline-grabbing like a Jude Bellingham, but he is tailor-made for Slot’s positional play. If Liverpool land him early, they’ll avoid last-minute scrambling and send a message that the post-Klopp era remains built on smart, system-fit recruitment.