According to a report by O Jogo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Orkun Kokcu is the subject of interest from Newcastle United. The Magpies are keen on reinforcing their first-team squad by signing a creative midfielder in the summer transfer window. So, the 24-year-old SL Benfica playmaker has emerged as a target for the Tyneside outfit.
The Portuguese giants will demand around €40 million to part ways with the Dutch-born Turk in the summer transfer window. However, Newcastle United may face a losing battle for Kokcu’s signature, as Yagiz Sabuncoglu has claimed that he has burned bridges at SL Benfica and wants the Primeira Liga outfit to accept an offer from Besiktas.
Orkun Kokcu has been one of the most highly rated young playmakers in the world since his spell with Feyenoord. The 24-year-old served the Eredivisie giants as the club captain before joining SL Benfica in July 2023. Since then, he has come leaps and bounds at the Portuguese club.
The Turkish international has turned out nearly 100 times thus far for SL Benfica while chipping in with 19 goals and 22 assists. However, Kokcu’s spell with Benfica will likely end in the summer transfer window as he has “burned bridges” at the Portuguese club. While the former Feyenoord captain wants to join Besiktas, Newcastle United will aim to secure his services.
Newcastle United’s interest in Orkun Kokcu is understandable. The Magpies are scouring the market for a creative midfielder this summer as Eddie Howe looks to add more firepower to the middle of the park. While Joelinton has been top-class as a midfielder, the SL Benfica playmaker can be an upgrade.
In addition, recent reports have linked Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff with a summer departure from St. James’ Park. So, Newcastle United must sign a new midfielder this summer, with Kokcu emerging as a viable target. Meanwhile, SL Benfica will demand around €40 million to part ways with the Dutch-born playmaker.
It is unclear if Newcastle United will be ready to fork out €40 million to sign Kokcu from Benfica. However, the 24-year-old Turkish international’s desire to join Besiktas may scupper Newcastle United’s hopes.
