Frank Christian
Arne Slot is reportedly aiming to add at least one player to his Liverpool squad during the January transfer window.
The Dutch coach has made a strong start at Anfield, leading the Reds to the top of the Premier League with a five-point advantage.
With a busy schedule ahead in the latter part of the season, Slot is said to be seeking midfield reinforcements after missing out on Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in August.
Slot has confirmed Liverpool’s unsuccessful attempt to persuade Zubimendi to move to Merseyside and stated he won’t pursue the Basque midfielder again.
A new player on the radar is Orkun Kokcu of Benfica, who previously played under Slot at Feyenoord, where they won the Eredivisie title in the 2022/23 season.
Kokcu’s transfer to Benfica for the 2023/24 season left a gap in Slot’s midfield. The 23-year-old has expressed his gratitude towards Slot, crediting him for his development as a player.
“Arne Slot is like a father. He made me who I am. He’s the best coach in the world,” he shared with TRT Spor.
“When he took over at Feyenoord, I had a significant breakthrough during his first season. We reached the Conference League final that year, although we lost.”
“I wanted to move during the summer, as several top clubs in England were interested in me. We had serious negotiations, but it didn’t materialize at the last moment.”
“The next season, Slot made me captain, and that responsibility boosted my performance even more.”
Orkun Kokcu’s Stats, Contract, and Value
Kokcu has been previously linked to Liverpool, with Jurgen Klopp sending scouts to observe him at Feyenoord before his move to Benfica.
His contract with Benfica, which runs until 2028, includes a rumored £125m ($157m) release clause; however, reports from the Liverpool Echo suggest a deal could be negotiated for approximately £67m ($85m).
In his five-season stint at Feyenoord, Kokcu netted 23 league goals in 119 appearances. At Benfica, he scored seven league goals in his first campaign, including two so far in 2024/25.
Nevertheless, Liverpool fans may be most enthusiastic about his versatility in midfield, as Slot has utilized him in various roles, making him a good fit for the tactical structure at Anfield.
