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’s management at Feyenoord before joining Benfica in the summer of 2023. The Turkey international cost the Portuguese club €25million (£20m), plus €5m (£4m) in add-ons after enjoying a stand-out 2022/23 campaign in the Netherlands.

The 23-year-old was named Eredivisie Player of the Year after contributing eight goals and two assists in the league that term. Feyenoord lifted the Eredivisie trophy that season, the year after they finished as runners-up in the Conference League.

Those achievements were formative for Kokcu, who loved playing for Slot and has hinted that a reunion could be on the cards 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 we 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 the top six in England were interested in me.

“We had serious talks about a transfer, but it didn't happen at the last minute. The following season, Arne Slot made me captain of the team, and that responsibility increased my performance even more.”

Kokcu recorded 32 goals and 27 assists in 175 games for Feyenoord altogether and has continued to impress with Benfica. He has 11 goals and 14 assists in 58 matches for the Portuguese giants, who are 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 have been conflicting reports over the feasibility of such a deal. While he is reported to have a €150m (£125m) release clause, there are suggestions he could be available for €80m (£67m) next summer.

Liverpool took the decision not to sign any midfielders in the summer transfer window, leaving Slot to work with the ones that 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 campaign.

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 top the table. After the international break, they are back in Premier League action against bottom side Southampton at St Mary’s on Sunday.