Report: Arne Slot Wants Reunion with Former £45m Star Amid Liverpool Links | OneFootball

Liverpool Transfers: Arne Slot’s Strategic Moves

Kokcu and Slot Reunite at Anfield

As the summer transfer window approaches, Liverpool is gearing up to strengthen their midfield with the potential acquisition of Orkun Kokcu, currently with Benfica. In what could be seen as a pivotal move for both the player and Liverpool, the reunion with his former mentor, Arne Slot, appears promising. According to Portuguese media, notably A Bola, the Reds are prepared to meet Benfica’s valuation of €45 million for the midfield maestro.

Kokcu’s previous stint under Slot at Feyenoord was marked by impressive stats: 12 goals and five assists in 46 appearances, highlighting his capability as a linking player. This reunion could boost Liverpool’s midfield dynamics, integrating a player familiar with Slot’s strategies and expectations.

Value for Money: The €45 Million Question

The figure set by Benfica—€45 million—seems steep but justifiable for a player of Kokcu’s calibre. His current contract in Lisbon stretches until 2028 and features a hefty buyout clause of €120 million, signaling Benfica’s high regard for him. A Bola articulates that despite a mixed season in Portugal, Kokcu’s potential remains undiminished. He expressed dissatisfaction with his usage under current coach Roger Schmidt, telling De Telegraaf, “This is not what I expected… I never felt like I was being made important from the start.”

Photo: IMAGO

This sentiment underscores a possibly untapped potential that could be fully realized under Slot’s guidance at Liverpool. The strategic fit is evident, as Slot is known for leveraging the strengths of his players, potentially offering Kokcu the freedom and role he craves.

Liverpool’s Midfield Strategy

Liverpool’s interest in strengthening their midfield is clear, and Kokcu could be a key piece in Slot’s puzzle. His role at Feyenoord—linking play and significant goal contributions—fits well into Liverpool’s dynamic playing style. Moreover, his familiarity with Slot’s coaching methods could allow for a smoother transition and integration into the team, enhancing Liverpool’s overall tactical flexibility.

The move would not only reunite Kokcu with a trusted mentor but also solidify Liverpool’s midfield for upcoming challenges, both domestically and in European competitions.

Implications for Feyenoord and Benfica

Feyenoord, Kokcu’s former club, is set to benefit financially from this transfer. They are entitled to a 25% resale percentage, which could see them receive approximately €11.25 million if the transfer is finalized at the discussed amount. This windfall could significantly boost Feyenoord’s budget for their own strategic signings.

Benfica, on the other hand, faces the challenge of losing a high-profile player but stands to gain a substantial transfer fee that could be reinvested into strengthening their squad. The decision to set a high asking price reflects not only the player’s importance but also the club’s savvy in transfer market negotiations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the potential transfer of Orkun Kokcu to Liverpool represents more than just a player changing clubs; it’s a strategic move influenced by past associations and future ambitions. Liverpool’s readiness to invest significantly in this talent highlights their commitment to bolstering the team and adapting to competitive pressures. As the transfer saga unfolds, it will be intriguing to see how this move influences the dynamics at Liverpool and how Kokcu adapts to the Premier League under the tutelage of Arne Slot.

As reported by A Bola, this transfer could mark a significant phase in both Kokcu’s career and Liverpool’s strategy moving forward.