Liverpool are going to lose the race to sign Orkun Kokcu to Benfica, the midfielder ‘charmed’ Jurgen Klopp. Fabrizio Romano confirmed the signing through his Twitter post.
The Reds are definitely having a midfield overhaul this summer. This season, the club saw players like James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Naby Keita leave the club. Arthur Melo will also be returning to Juventus.
Milner is joining Brighton and Naby Keita has recently been announced as a Werder Bremen player. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain still remains a free agent. Liverpool might also get offers for youngster Leighton Clarkson.
Benfica steals Liverpool and Klopp’s favourite Orkun Kokcu
The Merseysiders have signed Alexis Mac Allister as the first player of this season. While for the second signing, Klopp and Liverpool had targeted Feyenoord’s Orkun Kokcu, according to a report via De Telegraaf.
Klopp reportedly was charmed by the 22-year-old’s performance as he led the Dutch side to their first league title since winning it in 2017. Both Liverpool and Benfica grew their interest in the Turkish international. However, Fabrizio Romano confirmed in a tweet that Benfica has defeated the Reds in the race to sign the midfielder.
The Transfer Expert tweeted Benfica are “closing in” on what is considered a great signing in the Portuguese Primeira Liga. He added the “final details” will be out once the deal is officially announced. Romano also stated that Feyenoord will receive €30M from Benfica. And the Portuguese club has inserted a release clause of a whopping €120M to secure their investment.
Kokcu is going to sign a five-year contract until 2028 and to prevent any late drama, the club has already booked a medical test for him.
Although the Anfield giants missed the Turkish midfielder, they have plenty more options. The club is already in talks with French pair Khephren Thuram and Manu Kone.
The Athletic journalist James Pearce named these two players on a five-player wishlist of Liverpool along with Ryan Gravenberch, Gabri Veiga, and Romeo Lavia. Another player who has been linked with Liverpool but is not on their radar is Franck Kessie.
Thus, the Red half of the Merseyside awaits for the second signing of this summer.
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