Former Netherlands forward Wim Kieft has claimed that Orkun Kokcu should have joined a Premier League side like Tottenham Hotspur instead of making a switch to Benfica.
Kokcu has been one of the standout players in the Dutch top flight this season, having managed eight goals and three assists, in addition to his five goal contributions in the Europa League (Transfermarkt).
(Photo by NESimages/Herman Dingler/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
The 22-year-old, who captained Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title, was linked with a move to Spurs even before Arne Slot emerged as one of the main contenders for the Tottenham hot seat.
The Daily Mirror reported at the start of April that the Lilywhites had sent scouts to watch Kokcu in action this season and they were considering making an offer for him in the summer.
The Turkish international ended up sealing a €30m (£25.8m) switch from Rotterdam to Benfica over the weekend but Kieft believes the midfielder should have looked to move to England instead.
Kokcu should have moved to England, Kieft says
The pundit told De Telegraaf about Kokcu’s move to Lison: “(Benfica) are big club. But in a competition that can be compared to the level of the Eredivisie. So, is Kokcu really going to get better in Lisbon?
“The top Portuguese clubs often succeed in selling their best players to top European clubs.
“However, when you hear that there is English interest and names like Manchester United and Liverpool are mentioned, you wonder; should you choose Benfica at this stage of the transfer window?
“If you are not confident that you will immediately become a regular starter player (at a United or a Liverpool), you can also go to a ‘sub-top’ team in the Premier League.
“And then later make it to the top via Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton and Hove Albion or Aston Villa.”
Spurs Web Opinion
It hurts to see pundits talking about Spurs as a second-tier club along with Brighton and Aston Villa, considering we only finished in the top four last season but we have to accept the reality at the moment.
Hopefully, Postecoglou is the man to take the club back to its rightful place.
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