Liverpool scouts actively watching £125m midfielder after his father admitted transfer is ‘possible’

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Liverpool refrained from spending the big bucks during Arne Slot’s first summer in charge of the club.

Federico Chiesa was the only player who walked through the door at Anfield in the summer, although the Reds did agree a deal in principle to sign Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili next season.

That said, plans are already in motion to bolster the squad in the upcoming transfer windows.

And if reports from Portugal are to be believed, Liverpool are keeping a close eye on a gifted midfielder to bolster their options on that area of the pitch.

Liverpool scouts watch Orkun Kocku once again

Last week, Liverpool scouts were in attendance to watch Orkun Kocku play for Benfica in the UEFA Champions League against Feyenoord.

And now, Portuguese newspaper Record state that the Reds were once again present to watch him in action, this time for their 5-0 win against Rio Ave as Kokcu played the full 90 minutes for the home side.

The 23-year-old is a full Turkish international and played under Slot at Feyenoord as the pair won the Eredivisie title together during the 2022-23 campaign.

Since then, the midfielder has moved on to Benfica, where he has taken his game to another level.

Kokcu’s father recently described Slot as a good friend and admitted his son could be on the move in the future, although his reported release clause of £125m is likely to be a stumbling block.

Kokcu’s stats for Benfica this season

Kokcu has primarily featured as a central midfielder for Benfica this season but has made a crucial contribution in the final third due to his creativity and set-piece prowess.

Liverpool missed out on Martin Zubimendi and remain on the lookout for a midfielder in the upcoming transfer windows.

However, it remains to be seen if Kokcu’s profile is the right one for Slot, with the Dutchman primarily on the lookout for an out-and-out number six who can hold his own in the Premier League.