Benfica star sends clear message to ‘father’ Slot amid Liverpool transfer links

Benfica midfielder Orkun Kokcu has hailed Arne Slot as the “best coach in the world” amid suggestions Liverpool could be interested in signing him.

Kokcu played under Slot at Feyenoord before joining Benfica in the summer of 2023. The Turkey international cost the Portuguese club €25 million (£20 million), plus €5 million (£4 million) in add-ons after an excellent 2022/2023 season. campaign in the Netherlands.

The 23-year-old was named Eredivisie Player of the Year after contributing eight goals and two assists in the competition that season. Feyenoord lifted the Eredivisie trophy that season, the year after finishing second in the Conference League.

These performances were formative for Kokcu, who enjoyed playing for Slot and hinted that a reunion could be planned in the future. “Arne Slot is like a father. He made me who I am. He is the best coach in the world,” Kokcu told TRT Spor.

“When my old coach (Slot) took over, I had a big breakthrough in his first season. We reached the final of the Conference League that year, but unfortunately lost. Still, I think my performance that season was very good. I actually wanted to transfer in the summer; some of the big clubs in England's top six were interested in me.

“We seriously discussed a transfer, but it did not come at the last minute. The following season, Arne Slot appointed me captain of the team, and that responsibility increased my performance even more.”

Kokcu recorded a total of 32 goals and 27 assists in 175 appearances for Feyenoord and continued to impress with Benfica. He has 11 goals and 14 assists in 58 appearances for the Portuguese giants, who sit third in their domestic league and 19th in the Champions League after four games.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Kokcu due to Slot's connection, but there are conflicting reports over the viability of such a deal. Although he reportedly has a release clause of €150 million, there are suggestions he could be available for €80 million next summer.

Liverpool made the decision not to sign midfielders during the summer transfer window, leaving Slot to work with the midfielders he inherited from Jurgen Klopp. That decision has been inspired so far, with the likes of Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones stepping up their performances to help the Reds make a stunning start to the season.

Slot's side are five points clear at the top of the Premier League and have a perfect record in the Champions League, where they also sit at the top of the table. After the international break, they are back in Premier League action on Sunday against Southampton at St Mary's.