Former transfer target for Aston Villa is now “top” on Liverpool’s wishlist and may fetch a record-breaking £128 million.
A player who Aston Villa was “favorites” to sign in the summer might now sign for a league record amount to join a Premier League opponent. Orkun Kokcu, a former transfer target for Aston Villa, is reportedly Liverpool’s top target in the Premier League. Despite six of Villa’s league rivals showing interest in signing Kocu last year, the Portuguese powerhouse Benfica was the one he ultimately chose to join. The midfield player ultimately moved to Portugal for €25 million, despite the club sending scouts to keep an eye on him.
GiveMeSport reports that Liverpool has a strong interest in the 23-year-old, so even though it will be a year later and at a different team, he could still end up in the Premier League. Kocu was captain of Feyenoord during their tenure in the Netherlands, playing for their new manager Arne Slot. Although The Standard claims he has a possible £128 million release clause, he is the “first” signing Slot wants to make. Kocu would become the most expensive player in Premier League history if Liverpool had to pay the release clause and Benfica refused to compromise in the discussions. The record is now the £107 million Chelsea paid for Enzo Fernandez, a Benfica player.