Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly been showing interest in signing Benfica midfielder Orkun Kokcu who is pushing to leave the Portuguese giants.
CaughtOffside reports that Spurs are one of four clubs eyeing the 24-year-old, and he could be allowed to leave for around £35m (€40m). He has impressed since joining the Liga Portugal side from Feyenoord in the summer of 2023.
Thomas Frank is getting to grips with his new squad after replacing Ange Postecoglou and appears keen to strengthen in midfield. The Lilywhites are already in talks with West Ham United for Mohammed Kudus and could add another creative gem to their squad.
Tottenham Battling It Out For Kokcu
The Turk "wants to leave" Benfica amid fallout
Kokcu's future has been the subject of speculation following a falling out with Benfica manager Bruno Lage. Turkish outlet Sports Digitale reports that the player has informed the Portuguese club that he doesn't intend to be present for pre-season on July 14.
Spurs are keen on the Turkish playmaker, whose passing range has earned plaudits both in the Netherlands and in Portugal. He has three years left on his contract, and his appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup may be his last action as a Benfica player.
The Turkiye international's preference is to reunite with Arne Slot at Liverpool, who are also admirers alongside Manchester United and Inter Milan. But Florian Wirtz's arrival at Anfield doesn't make a new creative midfielder a necessity despite his connection with the Dutch coach.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Orkun Kokcu was named Eredivisie Player of the Season under Arne Slot in Feyenoord's 2022-23 title-winning season.
Spurs may consider Kokcu, described as "elite", as a long-term replacement for James Maddison, whose future isn't certain. They might be able to offer him a guaranteed starting role unlike Liverpool upon their return to Champions League football.
Ironically, Daniel Levy could use a similar situation to try to sign Inter Milan defender Yann Bisseck as a possible replacement for Cristian Romero. The German is reportedly available after siding with Hakan Calhanoglu amid San Siro turmoil.
All statistics courtesy of SofaScore - correct as of 06/07/2025