PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Orkun Kökçü |
| Date of Birth | 29 December 2000 (Age: 25) |
| Place of Birth | Haarlem, Netherlands |
| Nationality | Turkish (also holds Dutch citizenship) |
| Height | 1.75 m / 5 ft 9 in |
| Weight | 70 kg |
| Position | Central Midfielder / Attacking Midfielder |
| Preferred Foot | Both |
| Squad Number | #10 |
| Current Club | Beşiktaş JK |
| Previous Clubs | Feyenoord, Benfica, Jong Feyenoord |
| International Caps | 41+ |
| International Goals | 2+ |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Market Value | €24M–€30M |
The Frozen Moment
The 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America was a tournament of mixed fortunes for Orkun Kökçü. The 25-year-old midfielder, who had captained Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title under Arne Slot in 2023, arrived with high expectations. He featured in three matches for Turkey at the tournament, accumulating 153 minutes of football and recording two shots on target.
Kökçü had been instrumental in Turkey’s World Cup qualifying campaign, scoring in the UEFA Nations League and World Cup qualifying matches. His performances in the lead-up to the tournament had kept him on the radar of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Liverpool, who were “watching closely” as he “operated at his peak.”
But the tournament itself proved challenging. Turkey were drawn into Group D alongside Australia, Paraguay, and Jamaica. After a slow start, Turkey’s campaign ended in disappointment. Kökçü, carrying the weight of a record-breaking transfer to Beşiktaş and the expectations of a nation, could not inspire his team to the knockout rounds. His World Cup experience was a brief chapter in a career defined by relentless progress and an ambition to test himself at the highest level.
Origins
Orkun Kökçü was born on 29 December 2000 in Haarlem, Netherlands. He holds dual Turkish and Dutch nationality. Standing at 1.75 metres and weighing approximately 70 kilograms, he is a technically gifted midfielder capable of operating in multiple positions, including as a playmaker, box-to-box midfielder, or attacking midfielder.
His football journey began in the Netherlands, where he joined Feyenoord’s youth academy at a young age. He progressed through the ranks, making his senior debut for Jong Feyenoord in the Reserve League before breaking into the first team. His rise was rapid—he was soon captaining the club and attracting interest from across Europe.
The Professional Forge
Feyenoord (2017-2023):
Kökçü’s professional career began at Feyenoord, where he developed into one of the Eredivisie’s most promising midfielders. He made 121 league appearances for the club across multiple seasons, scoring 20 goals and providing 14 assists. His standout campaign came in the 2022-23 season, when he captained Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title under manager Arne Slot, making 32 league appearances (31 starts), scoring 8 goals, and providing 6 assists. His leadership and technical quality made him a key figure in the team, and his performances attracted interest from top European clubs.
Benfica (2023-2025):
On 11 July 2025, Kökçü transferred to Portuguese giants Benfica for a reported fee of €30 million. His time at Benfica was productive, with standout seasons in 2024-25 and 2025-26. In the 2024-25 season, he made 33 Primeira Liga appearances, scoring 7 goals and providing 7 assists, plus a total of 48 appearances (3,807 minutes), 8 goals, and 11 assists across all competitions. In the 2025-26 season, he contributed 7 goals and 7 assists in the league. He also featured in the Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup. Despite his success, his time in Portugal was not without controversy—during the Club World Cup, a heated disagreement with manager Bruno Lange reportedly caused tension.
Beşiktaş (2026-Present):
In the summer of 2026, Kökçü returned to Turkey, joining Beşiktaş in a high-profile move. The deal was initially structured as a loan with a mandatory purchase clause. According to reports from Fabrizio Romano, Beşiktaş paid a loan fee of €5 million, with an obligation to buy for €25 million at the end of the season—a total package of up to €30 million ($35 million) with performance-related bonuses.
Kökçü was named Beşiktaş captain and given the number 10 shirt. In the 2025-26 Süper Lig season, he made 30 appearances (29 starts), playing 2,485 minutes, scoring 8 goals, and providing 8 assists. His goal involvement per 90 minutes (0.58) placed him in the 93rd percentile for his position, with his expected assists (xA) per 90 ranking in the 99th percentile—demonstrating his creative quality. He also featured in the Europa Conference League and Turkish Cup.
The Anatomy of His Game
Kökçü is a complete, two-footed midfielder defined by his versatility, technical quality, and attacking output. He can play as a defensive midfielder (regista), a mezzala, or a trequartista, combining quality and quantity in his game.
In Possession:
Kökçü is a creative force in midfield. He is a press-resistant ball carrier with excellent vision and a good shot from distance. In the 2025-26 Süper Lig season, he recorded 8 goals and 8 assists in 30 appearances, with an expected goals (xG) of 0.43 per 90 and expected assists (xA) of 0.39 per 90. His ability to operate in transitional play and produce attacking output makes him a valuable asset in the final third.
Out of Possession:
Kökçü’s work rate is a key attribute. He is described as a “fighter” who contributes defensively, with the work rate to cover ground and press effectively. He is a leader on the pitch, having captained Feyenoord and Beşiktaş at a young age.
Psychological Edge:
Kökçü’s career is defined by leadership and resilience. He was named captain of Feyenoord at a young age and led them to the Eredivisie title. His move to Benfica and subsequent transfer to Beşiktaş reflect a career of steady progression. His former relationship with Arne Slot, now at Liverpool, has kept him linked with a move to the Premier League. Slot said to see Kökçü as “one of his preferred targets” for a summer window, a significant endorsement that underlines how well the player fits his system.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: 2025/26 Season Snapshot
| Competition | Apps | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Goal Involvements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Süper Lig | 30 | 29 | 2,485 | 8 | 8 | 16 |
| Turkish Cup | 4 | — | — | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Europa Conference League | 3 | 3 | 244 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| TOTAL | 37 | — | 2,729+ | 9 | 8 | 17 |
TABLE B: Career (Top 5 Leagues)
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feyenoord | 2017-2023 | 121 | 20 |
| Benfica | 2023-2025 | 75 | 16 |
| Beşiktaş | 2026-Present | 30 | 8 |
| TOTAL | — | 226 | 44 |
TABLE C: International Record
| Competition | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 3 | 0 | — |
| World Cup Qualifying | — | 1 | — |
| European Championship Qualifying | — | 1 | — |
| UEFA Nations League | — | 1 | — |
| Senior Career | 41+ | 2+ | — |
TABLE D: Career Achievements
| Honour | Details |
|---|---|
| Eredivisie Title | 2022-23 (Feyenoord, as captain) |
| Beşiktaş Captain | 2026-Present |
| Transfer to Beşiktaş | €30M ($35M) |
| Market Value Peak | €24M–€30M |
What these figures reveal is a player who has been a consistent performer at the highest level. His 226 league appearances at age 25 reflect a career of steady development. His 2025-26 season, with 16 goal involvements in 30 Süper Lig appearances, demonstrates his attacking quality. His market value of €24–€30 million and interest from Liverpool, Tottenham, and Inter Milan reflect his standing as one of Europe’s most sought-after midfielders.
The Present Tense
Orkun Kökçü is 25 years old and at the peak of his career. He is the captain of Beşiktaş in the Süper Lig and a key player for the Turkish national team.
The Beşiktaş Story:
Kökçü joined Beşiktaş in the summer of 2026 on a loan with a mandatory purchase clause, with a total package of up to €30 million. He was named captain and given the number 10 shirt. In the 2025-26 season, he made 30 Süper Lig appearances (29 starts), scoring 8 goals and providing 8 assists. The Turkish club, which had already spent more than €50 million in the summer transfer window on players including Leandro Trossard and Alexander Nubel, identified Kökçü as a key piece of their project.
The World Cup Campaign:
Kökçü was selected in Turkey’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He featured in three matches at the tournament, playing 153 minutes and recording two shots on target. Turkey were eliminated in the group stage.
International Record:
Kökçü has earned more than 41 caps for Turkey since his senior debut. He has scored multiple international goals, including contributions in World Cup qualifying and the UEFA Nations League.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Kökçü’s story is one of leadership and ambition. He was named captain of Feyenoord at a young age and led them to the Eredivisie title under Arne Slot in 2023. The relationship between Kökçü and Slot has been a recurring theme in transfer rumours, with Liverpool reportedly interested in reuniting the pair.
His move to Beşiktaş was driven by the club’s project and his desire to return to Turkey. He has been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Liverpool, Tottenham, and Manchester United all reportedly scouting him. Besiktas have made it clear they will only consider offers in the region of £43 million (€50 million).
The Verdict from the Camp
Fabrizio Romano (Italian Journalist):
Romano confirmed that Beşiktaş and Benfica reached a full agreement for the transfer of Kökçü, with the deal structured as a loan with a mandatory purchase clause.
Arne Slot, Liverpool Manager:
Slot is said to see Kökçü as “one of his preferred targets” for a summer window, a significant endorsement that underlines how well the player fits his system.
Record.pt (Portuguese Media):
“Liverpool are once again watching closely as Kokcu flourishes in Portugal. The Turkish international is said to be operating at his peak.”
Where Next?
Orkun Kökçü is 25 years old and under contract with Beşiktaş after a record-breaking transfer. His performances in the Süper Lig—8 goals and 8 assists in 30 appearances—have cemented his status as one of the most valuable midfielders in Turkish football. He has been linked with Liverpool, Tottenham, Manchester United, and Inter Milan. Beşiktaş have set a price of at least £43 million (€50 million) for the midfielder.
For Turkey, Kökçü is the present and future. With 41+ caps and World Cup experience, he is positioned to be a cornerstone of the national team for years to come. His leadership, versatility, and attacking quality make him a vital asset.
From Haarlem to Rotterdam, from Lisbon to Istanbul, and from the Eredivisie to the World Cup, Orkun Kökçü’s journey is a story of talent, leadership, and relentless ambition. The boy who captained Feyenoord to the title is now Beşiktaş’s captain—and his career continues to rise.
