United want to sign Turkish prodigy playing in Portugal
As reported by the Portuguese publication, O Jogo, Manchester United have now turned their gaze towards 23-year-old Dutch-born Turkish midfielder Orkun Kokcu.
Orkun Kokcu has been linked with multiple Premier League clubs over the years, although no move has materialized. Even the Manchester Reds attempted to sign Kokcu from Feyenoord last summer, but no transfer to Old Trafford came to light.
The former Feyenoord midfielder has scored three goals and laid on a further tally of 10 assists in his first season in 34 appearances across all competitions in Portugal thus far.
Portuguese giants Benfica are said to be demanding €40 million for Orkun Kokcu, and the Red Devils are one of the clubs looking to sign him.
Orkun Kokcu expresses unhappiness with life in Portugal.
The Turkish international expressed his unhappiness, speaking with De Telegraaf last week, at life at Benfica after just one season in Portugal. He accused Benfica manager Roger Schmidt of disregarding the pledges he made when he moved to Benfica in the summer.
Kokcu said,
“No, this is not what I expected. There was a lot going on in the transfer market last summer, I made a conscious choice for Benfica with the idea that this was the best step in my career to further develop in all areas. That has only partially happened.
“I have of course seen how other players have been put in the spotlight in Portugal and at other big clubs. That creates a certain status. I never felt like I was being made to feel important from the start. Not even by the coach!”
“I’m not the type to bang my fist on the table or make demands, but perhaps I was too modest because of the role he presented to me.”
Can Manchester United pounce on Orkun’s unhappiness?
It is hardly reasonable for a player to come out and publicly express concerns about positional opportunities and frustrations, and Manchester United can take advantage of the situation to pursue a move for Kokcu.
With the future of Christian Eriksen, Donny van de Beek, and Casemiro at Carrington still uncertain, Manchester United could look to bring the 23-year-old to the fold in the summer.
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However, with a few teams vying for his signature, there will undoubtedly be a tough competition to land Orkun Kokcu.
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