Time to reunite Arne Slot with Feyenoord's Steven Gerrard at Liverpool

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot could soon be reunited with one of his Feyenoord charges if recent reports are to be believed.

Orkun Kokcu, 23, was Slot’s captain in Rotterdam before moving on to pastures new in Benfica during the summer 2023 transfer window.

READ MORE: Real Madrid celebrate ‘miracle’ development

The Dutch-born Turkey international has been in sensational form for the Lisbon giants this season both in the Portuguese top flight and in the Champions League.

In Europe he has scored two goals in four matches for Bruno Lage’s side, while his overall goal tally stands at four, plus three assists, in 15 club matches.

Kokcu’s form has placed him on the radar of Europe’s biggest clubs although Liverpool’s interest is reported to be long-standing.

At various stages over the course Arne Slot’s reign, it’s been suggested that there could be a place in the Liverpool midfield for Kokcu.

Even as far back as last summer’s transfer window it was being discussed that Slot might well look at one of his best Feyenoord performers to reinforce his Liverpool squad.

Liverpool midfield shakeup

It didn’t come to pass but that interest picked up again a few weeks ago with reports in Portugal intimating that Liverpool would seek to sign Kokcu as soon as January.

Kokcu has a gigantic, Enzo Fernandez-like release clause in his contract but it’s believed his services could be acquired for around £67m.

That seems like a big outlay but it’s worth bearing in mind that Kokcu can feature across several midfield positions, including at No.8 and further up in the No.10 role.

He is a creative presence and well adept at keeping the ball moving in midfield. Moreover he doesn’t mind having a shot as evidenced by his goalscoring record.

Liverpool have a pretty settled-looking midfield unit at the moment but who knows what the future might hold. Ryan Gravenberch looks a solid presence in the No.6 position for the long term while Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister all feature further forward.

But there is uncertainty around the futures of both Wataru Endo - said to be of interest to several clubs - and Tyler Morton, who has still not managed that definitive breakthrough to Slot’s plans.

Kokcu: Slot is the best in the world

If the Reds were to offload those two in January - or even next summer - then there would be added reason to go into the market for a midfielder. And Kokcu, given his pedigree and long-standing links to Arne Slot, could be the perfect candidate.

He’s been praising the Dutchman in the last few days, describing Slot as “the best coach in the world” to Turkish outlet TRT Spor.

"Slot is like a father to me,” he said. “He made me who I am. I think he is the best coach in the world.

"Slot gave my game a boost in the first season. We reached the final of the Conference League and a number of clubs from the top six of England showed interest. In the end, the transfer did not go through. “The following season, he appointed me captain and increased my responsibility."

That’s high praise indeed and perhaps a reminder to his former trainer of how highly he rates him. Top performers don’t always hang around in the Portuguese league long-term and this could be the ideal opportunity to reunite the Liverpool coach with a former favourite.

READ MORE: Liverpool and Real Madrid in AGREEMENT over Trent Alexander-Arnold