Okay, this piece’s headline may be a bit of a joke – but it’s 100 per cent true! Turkish midfielder Orkan Kokcu, who is currently enjoying a fine season with Dutch giants Feyenoord has sparked interest from Leeds United, Sevilla and AS Roma.The 20-year-old Turkey international has established himself as one of Feyenoord’s key players – and that isn’t at all easy at one of Europe’s traditional clubs. The Rotterdam side has tied Kokcu to a long-term contract that will run until June 2025 and are in a good bargaining position should any of the interested clubs make a move.And he’s just getting started. 💯 Keep it going, @OrkunKokcu!#10Orkun pic.twitter.com/E6JwkVMpU3— Feyenoord Rotterdam (@Feyenoord) November 22, 2021 Leeds are probably the team most likely to recruit the Dutch-born Turk, having already done business with Feyenoord a few months ago when they signed youngster Crysencio Summerville. It might give them an edge in concluding the deal, but it won’t be enough. A solid offer would be needed to appease the club from one of Europe’s largest seaports, with Kokcu’s value estimated at around $13 million.Kokcu has already featured in 24 games this season for Feyenoord, scoring two goals and picking up three assists, helping them reach the UEFA Europa Conference League through the qualifiers and so far being unbeaten in the group stages.Wednesday, 22.00: (1.40) Feyenoord (4.50) Heracles (8.50)Speaking about the youngster, Dutch journalist Freek Jansen noticed that interest in Kokcu is not surprising.”He’s developed so much recently. Coach Arne Slot saw a lot of potential in Kokcu and pushed him to find another level. His progress has been outstanding and the interest from the bigger leagues is natural.”Last season, there were rumours that Lazio were looking at the possibility of signing Kokcu but it never happened. Now he might as well end up playing for Lazio’s biggest rivals. Or Sevilla. Or Leeds. Stay tuned.
