£38m star talked up Liverpool move, he's now criticised for 'disrespectful' comments on Arne Slot
Yesterday at 12:15 PM
Ask yourself this, Liverpool fans. How would you feel if, say, Alexis Mac Allister was pouring fuel on the speculation linking himself with a move away from the Premier League giants?
Now, this is not to say that another of Europe’s most talented deep-lying playmakers meant to cast doubt on his future at his current employers.
But rumours continue to swirl claiming that Liverpool hold an interest in Benfica ace Orkun Kokcu, the Portuguese powerhouses might not have been too thrilled to hear the former Feyenoord captain publicly talk up his relationship with Reds boss Arne Slot.
Especially not after Kokcu’s father indicated that a Liverpool switch is ‘possible’ heading into the New Year.
Orkun Kokcu criticised for failing to shut down Liverpool rumours
It was Slot who handed Kokcu the captain’s armband at Feyenoord back in 2022, at the age of just 21.
One year later, the Dutch-born Turkey international would lift the Eredivisie title in that famous red and white shirt, Slot transforming Kokcu from a talented if inconsistent number ten into the most influential string-pulling playmaker in the league.
So, with those Liverpool links swirling, it came as little surprise that Kokcu was quizzed on that Slot connection during an interview with TRT Spor a few days ago.
Slot, Kokcu admits, is something of a father figure for him. Not only that, but also ‘the best coach in the world’.
Comments which, according to former Benfica ace Marco Caneira, were a little ill-advised even if they may have come from the heart.
“I think [Kokcu’s comments] end up being disrespectful to his club. It is disrespectful to Benfica,” argues Caneira, who earned 25 Portugal caps from 2002 to 2008.
"Benfica is the club that currently gives Kokcu the opportunity to shine. It is important that players remember to express their respect for the club and the fans.
“We are touching on very specific points and praising a coach who is not your current coach. I understand that there is a perspective here perhaps from Kokcu that Arne Slot could come looking for him again and try to sign him.
“Obviously, it is not a big problem. It is not a serious problem. But these are statements that do not look good on Kokcu.”
Kocku’s father has talked up Arne Slot reunion at Liverpool
Kokcu is reportedly valued at £38 million by Benfica.
It is no secret that Liverpool have been looking to bring in a dedicated number six for much of the last 18 months. Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia both chose Chelsea instead back in 2023, while Liverpool’s attempts to sign Martin Zubimendi collapsed after the Spain star opted to stay with Real Sociedad.
The rapid rise of Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch’s fine early season displays have, at least, offset any concerns Liverpool may have had about their midfield options.
Still, Kokcu remains a name to keep an eye on.
"Arne is a good friend of ours,” Halis Kokcu, Orkun’s father, tells ESPN. “He has experienced a lot of things with Orkun. Why not [be reunited at Liverpool]?
“It is possible."
