Report: £25.9m long-time Liverpool target decides he does not want to leave this summer
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Orkun Kokcu has been a player of interest to Liverpool for some time now.Liverpool scouts watched Kokcu back in 2024 when he was still on the books of Portuguese side Benfica.Fabrizio Romano then confirmed during last year’s summer transfer window that the player was signing for Besiktas after other reports had mentioned the Reds were looking.Now, after an impressive season in Turkey, Kokcu is not expected to move and will instead be eyeing success with his current team in the 2026/27 season. Who replaces Mohamed Salah against Man United on Sunday? 👀 Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images Orkun Kokcu set to remain at Besiktas this summerThe midfielder has enjoyed a prolific debut season in Turkey, managing to score seven and assist nine in 27 league matches.An impressive record and one that may see Liverpool fans hoping their team return for the 25-year-old once the 2026 summer transfer window opens up in June.However, after his €30m move (around £25.9m) last summer, Kokcu is not expected to move later this year.Turkish outlet Aspor have provided an update on the future of the long-time Liverpool target, in which they say that ‘Orkun’s top priority in his club career, and he wants to start with the Turkish Cup and win the Super Lig championship next season’.
They add he will return from the 2026 World Cup over the summer to ‘continue his journey as Besiktas’ captain in the new season’. You can only pick ONE player for Liverpool to sign this summer, who is it?
Who should Richard Hughes be targeting above all… Photo Credit: Getty Images/Robin Jones Liverpool’s midfield targetsA player like Kokcu could have been a great addition to Liverpool’s midfield this summer.Regardless, with three players potentially leaving Anfield in the coming months, alternative options will need to be looked at unless Arne Slot is to have an even more depleted squad come 2026/27.On that front, three midfielders have been linked to Liverpool in the last week or so.They are Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, Archie Gray of Tottenham Hotspur and Kees Smit.Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox