Liverpool almost signed £34m title-winning captain before joining rival club

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Liverpool were reportedly close on a deal to sign Orkun Kokcu from Feyenoord, but the midfielder ultimately decided on a move to Benfica.

According to 1908 NL, the Reds came inches away from securing an agreement with the Dutch champions to sign the £34m-rated superstar. However, Kokcu himself shot down the deal in order to move to Portugal with Benfica, a transfer that was announced earlier this month.

Kokcu was one of the best midfielders in Europe last season as the Turkish international captained Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title, with the youngster bagging an impressive 12 goals in all competitions for the Rotterdam-based side, as well as five assists.

With Liverpool on the hunt for midfielders this summer, Kokcu would have been a dream signing for the Anfield side. However, with the Reds missing out on top-four and a starting XI spot not guaranteed, the Feyenoord man arguably made a good choice in signing for a European rival in Benfica.

Indeed, some may question why Kokcu opted to move to Portugal when there was clearly interest from the Premier League. Yet given the midfielder’s intentions, there’s no real confusion to why the Turkish talent rejected the likes of Liverpool for Benfica this summer.

Liverpool could live to regret allowing Kokcu to join Benfica

Kokcu firmly established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting midfield talents after leading Feyenoord to the Dutch title last season. And Liverpool could soon regret not pushing hard enough to sign the Benfica-bound 22-year-old.

As we know, Kokcu was key in Feyenoord’s success last year under Arne Slot, and with Liverpool in the market for a midfielder, the Turkish star could have been perfect as a long-term option for Jurgen Klopp and his plan to usher in a new era at Anfield.