Liverpool scouts track midfield star as Slot eyes familiar face | OneFootball

Liverpool Scout Familiar Face as Midfield Reinforcement Plans Take Shape

Kökçü Identified as Midfield Priority

Liverpool’s recruitment team, led by new sporting director Richard Hughes, appear to have settled on a key midfield target as planning intensifies for the summer transfer window. According to Portuguese outlet Record, Benfica’s Orkun Kökçü has been identified as a preferred option, with Liverpool scouts present at several of the Portuguese club’s recent fixtures.

The 24-year-old Turkish international worked under Arne Slot at Feyenoord and was instrumental in the club’s Eredivisie title win — their first in six years. Slot is believed to be an admirer of Kökçü’s tactical intelligence and creative output. The midfielder contributed 21 goals and 14 assists during their successful 2022-23 campaign before joining Benfica in a club-record deal worth €30 million plus bonuses.

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Familiarity and Fit at Anfield

Kökçü’s previous relationship with Slot is an intriguing subplot. His father previously stated: “Arne is a good friend of ours. He’s been through a lot of things with Orkun. Yes, why not? It’s possible.” While the player’s €150 million release clause may seem steep, it is unlikely Benfica will hold out for that amount if negotiations begin early in the summer.

His reported €6 million salary is also comfortably within the boundaries of Liverpool’s wage structure, a factor that will appeal to Fenway Sports Group as they continue to rebuild without abandoning their financial principles.

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Succession Planning in Midfield and Beyond

With questions lingering over the long-term futures of Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Luis Díaz, Kökçü could be part of a wider refresh — one that also addresses succession planning for the ageing Mohamed Salah. His 23 senior caps for Turkey, paired with Champions League experience, provide further assurance that Kökçü could make an immediate impact if signed.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For all the sense this move makes on paper, Liverpool fans would be right to feel cautious. Orkun Kökçü is undoubtedly talented, but signing players from the Portuguese league hasn’t always translated into immediate success at Anfield. The price tag, the history with Slot, and the style of play all tick boxes — but it’s the €150 million release clause that raises eyebrows.

Even if Benfica negotiate, anything north of €50-60 million feels like a stretch for a player who has only just begun to show his quality in Europe’s top-tier competitions. There’s also the question of whether Liverpool need another deep-lying playmaker with Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch already embedded in the midfield rotation.

Still, if there’s one manager who knows how to unlock Kökçü’s potential, it’s Arne Slot. That familiarity could be the difference between this being a smart addition or an expensive gamble.