Liverpool reportedly have the 'front foot' in the race to sign midfield star Orkun Kokcu from Benfica this summer, as their spending spree looks to continue - with the Turkey international seemingly preferring a move to Anfield over anything else should he be allowed to depart the Primeira Liga giants in the coming weeks.
Kokcu has been in superb form for the Estadio da Luz side, prompting interest from across the continent - and with the Reds able to spend this summer after winning the Premier League, a deal could be made to take him to Merseyside to join an already-formidable squad in the hopes of retaining the famous trophy.
Report: Liverpool 'Frontrunners' to Sign Kokcu From Benfica
The Reds are aiming to further add to their midfield ranks
Kokcu
The report by CaughtOffside states that Liverpool are interested in a potential deal to sign Kokcu from Benfica, with the talented Turkey star being available this summer in a deal that could be worth around €40million (£34million).
Orkun Kokcu's Primeira Liga statistics - Benfica squad ranking
Stats
Appearances
Assists
Key Passes Per Game
Shots Per Game
Goals
Match rating
Although other teams are keen on a move for the former Feyenoord star, CaughtOffside believe that the player would prefer a move to the Reds, having worked under current boss Arne Slot at the Eredivisie club prior to his switch to Benfica.
The duo would be keen on a reunion, with Kokcu having named Slot as the 'best coach in the world'. He would feature in midfield alongside Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister in the centre of the park, and Liverpool are perceived to be the frontrunners for his signature - despite having an array of creative talent.
Dominik Szoboszlai is also a contender in their creative ranks, as well as new record-signing Florian Wirtz who will either play behind the striker or off the left, and so Kokcu may be forced further back into the Mac Allister role, alongside Curtis Jones, as a backup for the time being.
Kokcu, born in the Netherlands, switched international allegiances to Turkey back in 2020, already making 41 appearances for the nation at the age of just 24 - and that has come off the back of his outstanding club form, especially in the Champions League with four goals in 12 games - seeing him labelled as 'elite' in the process.
With an impressive 175 appearances for Feyenoord marking 32 goals from midfield, that saw Benfica pay a fee in the region of £25million to land him from the Dutch side, where he has since scored 19 goals in 98 games from the centre of the park in Portugal to become one of Europe's most sought-after playmakers.
Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 06-07-25.
Slot Related
Not Guehi: Liverpool ‘Frontrunners’ to Sign ‘Monster’ Defender, Set to Bid £55m
Arne Slot is driving the Reds' interest.
Sign up to The GIVEMESPORT Reportto get exclusive daily updates from Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs, Dean Jones and Tom Bogert sent straight to your inbox.