Liverpool recently counted Benfica duo Orkun Kokcu and Alvaro Carreras, with the Reds also likely to move for a central midfielder and a new centre-back with Arne Slot looking light in these two positions.
With Trent Alexander-Arnold also potentially on the move to Real Madrid, there could be some big players who need replacing in January, with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk also potentially departing with their contracts up at the end of the season.
And one rumoured Liverpool target’s father has added fuel over a potential transfer.
Orkun Kokcu of Benfica during the UEFA Champions League match between Benfica v Atletico Madrid at the Estadio Da Luz on October 2, 2024 in Lisbo...
Orkun Kokcu’s father teases potential Liverpool move
Speaking to Feyenoord Pings, Kokcu’s father, Halis Kokcu, hinted that a move to Liverpool could be possible in 2025 with Slot still close with the Benfica midfielder and his family having worked with the Turkey international at Feyenoord.
Kokcu was one of Slot’s most reliable players during their time together in Rotterdam, and there’s now a chance that the £67m-rated midfielder could move to Liverpool, with the Reds in the market for depth in the position.
Kokcu senior said: “Arne is a good friend of ours. He has been through a lot of things with Orkun. Yes, why not? It’s possible. The most important thing now is Orkun’s focus, that he does well with Benfica. But of course, players and trainers don’t have just one station, the staff knows that too.”
“In modern football, clubs think about finances, about making a profit. Orkun is a player who has the potential to make a profit with the next step. The fans and the club are also fine with that, of course. That was also the project. We’ll see where he ends up.”
Head Coach Arne Slot of Feyenoord and Orkun Kokcu of Feyenoord celebrate after the second leg match of the UEFA Europa Conference League Semi-Final...
Kokcu could be an immense success at Liverpool under Slot
At 23-years-old, Kokcu is yet to even hit his prime despite being around the scene for what feels like an eternity, with the Benfica star once given the armband by Slot at Feyenoord during their time together.
Orkun Kokcu under Arne Slot at Feyenoord Games played Goals Assists
2022/23 46 12 5
2021/22 50 9 9
Total 96 21 14
And as the midfielder’s stats under the Liverpool manager show, Kokcu could be an immense success on Merseyside if the Reds were to pull the trigger to sign the Turkey international, who could be open to moving to Anfield.
Although Benfica’s asking price is a high one, Kokcu could be worth the investment if Liverpool are willing to make the midfielder a key part of their future plans, something Slot might be open to in the January transfer window.
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