Michael Edwards wants Benfica ace at Liverpool, player says Slot ‘the best coach’ in the world

Liverpool manager Arne Slot is happy with the squad he inherited from Jurgen Klopp, and the club are unlikely to make any major additions in the January window.

The Reds are flying high in all competitions. They are top of the Premier League table, five points above Manchester City, and have won all their games in the Champions League.

Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes will definitely be planning on how to make the squad even better, and fresh additions are needed next summer.

The midfield is one area that needs bolstering. Wataru Endo does not seem to fit into Slot’s system, and he needs to be replaced.

The Reds made an attempt to sign Martin Zubimendi in the summer window, but he decided to stay at Real Sociedad instead. It appears that Liverpool have identified other targets and are scouting them intensively.

Benfica midfielder Orkun Kokcu remains an option

According to Record (print edition), Liverpool have earmarked Benfica midfielder Orkun Kokcu as a possible midfield target next summer.

The 23-year-old midfielder has previously played under Slot at Feyenoord, and he is enjoying a fantastic season with the Portuguese club.

Liverpool scouts have made frequent visits to the Stadium of Luz to keep an eye on Kokcu, and they are heavily impressed.

The midfielder is now looking at a reunion with his former boss and hailed the impact he has had on his career.

Kochu said: “He made me the player I am today. He is the best coach in the world.”

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Orkun Kokcu stats for Benfica

The Turkish international can play as a defensive midfielder, as a box-to-box central midfielder or as an attacking midfielder.

He has scored two goals and provided three assists in eight starts for Benfica in the Portuguese league. The midfielder has also scored two goals in the Champions League.

Kokcu averages around 2.1 shots per game, and his ball recovery rate of 4.3 is very impressive.

He has a contract at Benfica until 2028, and Liverpool will have to pay a premium fee to sign him.