Orkun Kokcu eyeing Arne Slot reunion at Liverpool as Benfica star snubs Galatasaray, Fenerbahce and Besiktas interest and aims for Premier League move
Turkish midfielder wants to reunite with Arne Slot at Liverpool
Had a verbal spat with head coach Bruno Lage
WHAT HAPPENED?
According to A Bola, the 2022-23 Eredivisie title winner wants to reunite with his former Feyenoord boss Slot at Liverpool. The Turkish international is reportedly not on good terms with manager Bruno Lage and wants to part ways with the Portuguese club. The midfielder is aware of interest from Turkey but believes a move to the Super Lig at this stage of his career will hurt his growth.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The midfielder was said to have been angered by Lage's decision to substitute him in the 61st minute of Benfica's fixture against New Zealand's Auckland City in the Club World Cup. The player engaged in a verbal spat with the manager on the sidelines as they both pointed fingers at each other. The outburst has sparked reports that Kokcu wants to leave.
TELL ME MORE
Galatasaray, Fenerbahce and Besiktas are all interested in bringing the 24-year-old to Turkey. However, having previously played under Slot and winning the Eredivisie under his management, Kokcu is interested in moving to Anfield. He is tied to Benfica until June 30, 2028, and has a release clause of €150 million (£129m/$177m).
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WHAT NEXT FOR BENFICA?
WHAT NEXT FOR BENFICA?
Benfica were knocked out of the Club World Cup by Chelsea at the round of 16 stage. The Portuguese club will next face rivals Sporting CP in Supertaca final.
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