While it may not be top of the list this summer, there’s little question that Liverpool could do with extra bodies in midfield
The Reds underwent a massive rebuild in 2023, bringing in four new signings who have all since excelled at Anfield
However, with Arne Slot relying a little too heavily on Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones, another quality addition would be welcomed.
Stefan Bajcetic could play a part next season after an impressive loan spell with Las Palmas, but there’s also an argument that Liverpool need a new creative midfield option as well.
Szoboszlai has seven goals and five assists to his name, but there has often been a feeling that the Hungarian could be providing a little more in the creativity department
And as rumours fly around that the likes of Rayan Cherki and Xavi Simons could be on Liverpool’s radar, links have also re-emerged for a former Slot favourite
Liverpool pondering move for Orkun Kokcu
Liverpool do of course have a more creative midfielder in the squad already, but Slot looks ready to move on from Harvey Elliott.
As a result, someone in the Cherki or Simons mould would be welcomed. Another option could be Orkun Kokcu, who captained Slot’s Feyenoord team to the Eredivisie title in 2023
Reports have claimed that Kokcu nearly signed for Liverpool that very summer, but ultimately joined Benfica for an initial £26m instead.
Since then, Liverpool have never been too far away in relation to the Turk and according to Record, the Reds are once again ‘watching closely’ after Kokcu delivered a strong season for Benfica
The 24-year-old has 11 goals and seven assists, and according to the Portuguese outlet is now ‘operating at his peak.’
This has reportedly led to renewed interest from Liverpool, with Slot said to see Kokcu as ‘one of his preferred targets’ for adding to the midfield. The Turkey international has a release clause of around £129m.
Kokcu move would make sense for Liverpool
Given his propensity to create, Kokcu would be an attractive option for Liverpool this summer
Still only 24, he has gathered more experience in a different country with Benfica after his exploits for Feyenoord and is surely ready for a step up
Despite his hefty release clause, Kokcu would feel get-able and the Slot factor could also be a crucial one, too.
As a former captain of the Liverpool head coach, he is clearly a strong and reliable character and would likely be content with a rotational role.
While this link has come to nothing in the past, we still feel it’s one Liverpool could be exploring