According to a report by O Jogo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Orkun Kokcu has been 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 been a target for the Tyneside outfit.
However, the rising Premier League giants have walked away from the move to sign the Dutch-born playmaker, as he is keen on joining Besiktas in the summer transfer window. So, Newcastle United will look elsewhere for a new creative midfielder this summer.
Orkun Kokcu has made considerable progress since joining SL Benfica from Feyenoord in July 2023. The 24-year-old was among the most highly sought-after playmakers in the world when he moved to Portugal, and he has come leaps and bounds in the last two years.
The Turkish international has turned out nearly 100 times thus far for SL Benfica while chipping in with 19 goals and 22 assists. Meanwhile, Kokcu’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs across Europe. Newcastle United will be among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the summer transfer window.
Newcastle United’s interest in Orkun Kokcu makes sense. The Magpies are scouring the market for a creative midfielder this summer amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term futures of Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff. So, several candidates have emerged on Newcastle United’s radar, with Kokcu also a viable target.
However, a summer move to St. James’ Park will unlikely see the light of day, considering the Haarlem-born Turk is keen on joining Besiktas in the summer transfer window. That has compelled Newcastle United and other suitors to cool their interest in the SL Benfica playmaker.
Kokcu reportedly wants to leave Benfica after only two years, with Besiktas his preferred destination. The update will also deal a blow to other Premier League suitors. So, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for the 24-year-old Turkish international.
