Man United target Orkun Kokcu ‘will join Benfica for a £26m move’ after Dutch icon Wesley Sneijder urged him NOT to join Erik ten Hag
- Orkun Kokcu has reportedly attracted interest from several Premier League sides
- The Turkish international midfielder scored eight goals from midfield last season
- Wesley Sneijder urged the player to stay at Feyenoord over United’s interest
Feyenoord captain Orkun Kokcu is close to signing for Portuguese giant Benfica, according to reports, ending Manchester United’s transfer interest.
The Turkish midfielder played a key role in Feyenoord’s stunning season, which saw manager Arne Slot closely linked to Tottenham’s management position.
Aged 22, he proved crucial in the middle of the park as the Rotterdam side sealed a memorable Eredivisie title.
However, his father has reportedly attracted interest from a number of clubs, with a view to a summer move. reports suggesting that United sent scouts to see how he took on Ajax in a cup match earlier this season.
However, it now appears that Erik ten Hag is missing out on one of his reported transfer targets this summer, with Benfica seemingly ahead of him.
Feyenoord captain Orkun Kokcu is close to signing for Benfica in a £25.7 million deal despite reported interest from Man United
Erik ten Hag’s team is said to have occasionally sent scouts this season to look at the midfielder
Dutch outlet The Telegraph claiming the Turkey international is close to moving, with the clubs agreeing a fee of £25.7m (€30m), with a further £8.6m (€10m) in add-ons.
He is thought to be seen as a long-term replacement for Enzo Fernandez, after the World Cup winner in January joins Chelsea for a British record £107m move.
While United were reportedly enthusiastic about Kokcu’s services, he was seemingly warned against a move by Dutch legend Sneijder, who claimed he should stay at the club amid interest from the Red Devils.
‘He’s done a great job. He played a fantastic season,” said Sneijder in May. “But I doubt he can compete at the top of Europe. Where should such a boy go?
“I’d say stay another year. Enjoy it. If you’re really good, that option will come naturally. Maybe he can reach the top of European football. If he is a starter for three or four years and he carries that team, then you can.”
“If you go to a middle class and choose the money, there is a chance that you will never play in the Champions League. Stay with Feyenoord I would say.’
Kokcu was tipped as an ideal midfield reinforcement for United; an energetic and aggressive deep-lying midfielder, he scored eight goals and three assists in the Dutch top flight in 2022/23.
Given the high level of interest from Premier League sides, Benfica is said to be including a £102 million escape clause in his deal.
Kokcu’s deal will reportedly include a £106 million escape clause to deter interest in the Premier League
United are also interested in bringing West Ham captain Declan Rice to the club, but face a battle with Arsenal and Bayern Munich
United, in particular, will prioritize their search for a new midfielder this summer, to bolster their mid-park options.
Marcel Sabitzer is set to return to Bayern Munich at the end of his loan deal, while Scott McTominay has been linked with a move to Newcastle and Fred is reportedly set to be sold this summer.
The Red Devils are also in the running to sign Declan Rice from West Ham. The player played his last game against Hammers on Wednesday and won the final of the Europa Conference League.
However, Ten Hag and co will have to fend off the interest of players such as Arsenal and Bayern Munich, who are among the candidates for the England international.