Liverpool interested in signing midfielder from Arne Slot’s former project, according to Portuguese sources

Liverpool may pursue a player who thrived under Arne Slot at Feyenoord, as reports from Portugal indicate interest in Benfica midfielder Orkun Kokcu.

Kokcu has been connected to Liverpool multiple times, including prior to his transfer from Feyenoord to Benfica in 2023. At that time, it was said that delays in Liverpool’s interest led the Dutch-born Turk to choose a move to Lisbon, where he has since scored 11 goals and provided 14 assists in 52 appearances for Benfica.

His reputation grew significantly under Slot at Feyenoord, where he progressed through the academy and became one of the coach’s key players.

Therefore, it’s no surprise that the 23-year-old is again being linked with a transfer to Anfield, possibly as soon as January.

This information comes from the Portuguese newspaper Record, which reports that Liverpool have already scouted Kokcu this season, including during the 4-0 Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid, where he scored.

However, the same publication asserts that Benfica does not plan to sell their No. 10 mid-season and would demand a minimum fee of €80 million (£67 million).

Additional reports from *Correio da Manha* in Lisbon suggest that Liverpool is actively trying to bring Kokcu to Merseyside.

The credibility of these claims remains uncertain, especially considering how often Liverpool is linked with Portuguese players.

Players like Alan Varela, Otavio, and Fabio Vieira have previously been linked to Liverpool, while local sources have fueled speculation about the club’s pursuit of Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim.

However, there appears to be credibility in reports of Liverpool’s interest in Kokcu, especially since it can be argued that Slot’s squad still lacks depth in midfield.

Although Kokcu is primarily a No. 10, he has evolved into a versatile midfielder, posing a significant threat in the attacking third while also working hard defensively.

He and Slot established a strong rapport at Feyenoord, with one analyst stating over the summer that Slot transformed the Turkish international from a “‘lazy’ No. 10” into “a very fit player, a professional player, and earned a lot of money for the club and him.”

Kokcu himself has acknowledged that his former coach helped him overcome insomnia, which affected both his performance on the pitch and his personal life.

“It was difficult, there was a lot in my head. The trainer was one of the few who knew about it,” Kokcu told *De Volkstrant* last year. “He is more than a trainer; he understands exactly how to deal with people. That’s why I cried when I hugged him after the championship game.”

Currently, Liverpool seems more likely to enhance their squad next summer rather than in January, but the transfer strategy will remain opportunistic.