Liverpool are nonetheless thinking about a long-term goal – who might trigger controversy had been he to affix.
Arne Slot has thus far solely made two signings at Anfield. Giorgi Mamardashvili will formally hyperlink up with the Reds subsequent summer season, whereas Federico Chiesa has solely performed 78 minutes – and might already be on the best way out .
However Slot’s subsequent signing could possibly be somebody he is aware of extraordinarily properly, with the hearsay mill linking him along with his former captain from Feyenoord .
Liverpool linked with €50 million midfield maestro
Ryan Gravenberch has stepped up in midfield this season (Picture credit score: Julian Finney/Getty Photographs)
Liverpool had been closely linked with midfield reinforcement over the summer season however reneged on signing anybody after they had been turned down by their prime goal.
Martin Zubimendi was most significantly rumoured , just for the Spaniard to stay at Actual Sociedad – however now, the Reds might pursue the same profile of central midfield No.6 in Orkun Kokcu of Benfica .
Kokcu performed underneath Slot for Feyenoord (Picture credit score: Broer van den Growth/Orange Footage/BSR Company/Getty Photographs)
Kokcu was an integral member of Slot’s facet that reached the inaugural Europa Convention League last, captaining the Dutch workforce alongside the best way from a deep-lying place – and now Sport Witness SportBild
However the controller has acquired criticism, too, following his controversial determination to not shun sporting a rainbow captain’s armband, which the Eredivisie introduced in to assist LGBTQ+ inclusion.
This might see him conflict with some followers on Merseyside, on condition that Liverpool have a dedication to inclusion , with captain Jordan Henderson and ex-manager Jurgen Klopp each praised prior to now for his or her allyship in direction of the group. Jordan Henderson, by the way, upset lots of people when he selected to play in Saudi Arabia, with Satisfaction in Soccer stating that his presence within the league might do extra hurt than good.
“I keep near my faith,” Kokcu advised ESPN of his determination to refuse the gesture. “However I additionally perceive the reactions from the skin on the one hand.”
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In FourFourTwo’s opinion, Liverpool’s LGBTQ+ followers could be cautious of the membership signing gamers who do not align with their values – however it’s probably ought to Kokcu be part of, he shall be given the advantage of the doubt and the assist of the entire membership. As for the rumours themselves, they might properly carry some weight given the Slot connection – although €50m could also be some huge cash to pay for a participant but to look in Europe’s prime 5 leagues.
Liverpool tackle Arsenal this weekend when Premier League motion returns.
