Liverpool 'target' explains Arne Slot impact amid £67m transfer links

Benfica midfielder Orkun Kokcu has praised the impact Arne Slot has made on his career amid links of a potential transfer with Liverpool. The Reds have been credited with an interest in signing Kokcu in recent months, with the rumours intensifying in the summer transfer window.

Kokcu is reported to have a €150million (£125million) release clause in his contract at Benfica and has been heavily linked with a move away from the Portuguese club over the last few months, although there are suggestions he could be available for €80million (£67million). Liverpool have seen their name frequently mentioned on the rumour mill when it comes to being the 23-year-old's potential new club.

Slot has been enjoying his first season as Liverpool's new head coach, having previously worked at Feyenoord. It was during his time in the Eredivisie that Slot had experience of managing Kokcu before the playmaker completed a move to Benfica in the summer of 2023.

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Kokcu has spoken about his experience working with Slot during his time at Feyenoord, namely how he was given increased responsibility after not completing a move to the Premier League.

"Arne Slot is like a father. He made me who I am. He is the best coach in the world," Kokcu is quoted telling TRT Spor, as per Record.

"When my old coach [Arne Slot] took over, I had a big breakthrough in his first season," Kokcu added. "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."