Who is Orkun Kokcu? The Benfica midfielder linked with a reunion with Liverpool boss Slot

Jacque Talbot

Updated: 5 Nov 2024 08:37 CST
4 min read

Orkun Kokcu has been linked with a move to Liverpool, but given his displays in Portugal, it's unlikely that the Reds are the only club keen.

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The Netherlands-born player worked under Reds boss Arne Slot at Feyenoord, and it's thought that the Dutch boss wants to rekindle that relationship.

He left Rotterdam for Lisbon in the summer of 2023, despite interest from elite clubs in England.

He has a huge release clause. In fact, it matches what Benfica had for Enzo Fernandez - €150 million - a fee they achieved when the Argentine moved to Chelsea in January.

What position does Orkun Kokcu play in?

Kokcu is a versatile midfielder, being able to play as a No.8 and further forward, as a No.10.

STATS

Orkun Kökçü

DM (RL), M (C)

Benfica

Orkun Kökçü

DM (RL), M (C)

Benfica

49

Games
12

Goals
7

Assists

How good is Orkun Kokcu?

Kokcu began his football journey in the Netherlands, joining Feyenoord’s youth academy in 2014. He quickly rose through the ranks, and by the age of 17, he made his first-team debut.

In 2022, manager Slot named him club captain and Feyenoord clinched the 2022–23 Eredivisie title in the same season.

Kokcu performances caught the eye of European clubs, leading to a transfer to Benfica for €25 million.

Over 43 games, he accumulated 2,716 minutes on the pitch, starting 33 of those matches. Despite any off-field challenges, he delivered strong offensive numbers, recording seven goals and 11 assists.

This season, Kokcu delivered great displays once again, Benfica head coach Bruno Lage saying: “We're very happy with him, that's why Benfica picked him up and I'm happy to have a player of his quality.”

Indeed, Kokcu has established himself as a pivotal player for Benfica this campaign. In Liga Portugal, is the midfielder with the most ball actions per 90 minutes, tallying an impressive 87.0. He’s also among the league’s top shooters from midfield, ranking second with 2.6 shots per game. He is also second for both breaking passes (0.8 per game) and progressive passes (7.2 per game).

On the European stage, Kokcu has also made an impact in the Champions League, scoring two goals in the 2024/25 season so far. His goal-scoring frequency is notable, ranking him as the third-highest midfielder in the tournament for goals per game (0.8).

Within Benfica’s ranks, he ranks second in shots per 90 minutes (2.6) and open-play shots per 90 minutes (2.4), as well as second in passes to finishing zones per 90 minutes (2.5).

What clubs are interested in Orkun Kokcu?

Kokcu has attracted serious interest from top Premier League clubs, with Liverpool closely monitoring his progress at Benfica. However, Manchester United is also keenly interested, having established connections to the player as well.