Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Benfica midfielder Orkun Kokcu.
Despite the arrival of new manager Arne Slot, the Reds were quiet throughout the summer transfer window. Eventually, they only managed to sign two players Giorgi Mamardashvili and Federico Chiesa from Valencia and Juventus, respectively.
Many felt the lack of investment would lead to a slow start to Arne Slot’s revolution at Anfield but that hasn’t been the case. The Merseyside giants have enjoyed a fantastic start to the 2024/25 season under Arne Slot, collecting 22 points from nine Premier League games as well as winning all three opening Champions League games.
It looks like the club chiefs are eyeing midfield reinforcements in January having sent scouts to watch one in Portugal. According to Portuguese outlet Record, Liverpool are scouting Benfica midfielder Orkun Kokcu ahead of the January transfer window. Club scouts were present in Benfica’s last two games and were impressed by the 23-year-old’s performance against Rio Ave at the weekend.
A youth product of the Feyenoord academy, Kokcu made quite a name for himself in the Eredivisie before securing a move to Benfica in 2023. While he struggled to get going at Benfica during his debut season, the Netherlands youth international has turned things around during the 2024/25 campaign. The midfielder has contributed towards seven goals in 11 games across all competitions, and such productivity has seemingly caught the attention of Liverpool.
Orkun Kokcu to Liverpool—Right move?
Liverpool’s midfield unit has functioned extremely well this season, with Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai forming a strong partnership. With their technical skills, energy, power and physicality, the trio have helped the Reds to dominate teams in the middle of the park and win games.
Regardless, the Merseyside outfit are in the hunt for a new midfielder. Kokcu has emerged as a potential target for Liverpool which isn’t surprising. The Turkish international played under Slot at Feyenoord for two years, so it wouldn’t be wrong to say that the Dutch tactician was an important figure in the central midfielder’s developmental years in the Eredivisie.
Now, Slot is eyeing a reunion with Kokcu at Anfield. The Benfica star would instantly enhance Liverpool’s midfield unit whilst bringing competition within the squad. With his passing, creativity and flair, he would also lift the technical flooring of Slot’s squad.
The Turk, who predominantly operates as a central midfielder, can also be utilised as a No.6, No.10 and on the left wing, and such versatility is always viewed as a boon from any team’s perspective. If Kokcu is to join the Reds, he would likely compete against Mac Allister and Curtis Jones for a place in Slot’s first XI.
Valued at around £38m, although his price must have soared following impressive displays in Portugal, Liverpool must give their best shot in signing Kokcu in January to improve their already magnificent midfield setup.