Wolves face missing out on midfielder Orkun Kokcu this summer, with the star reportedly giving the green light to make a move to Benfica.
The Feyenoord ace has just finished a fantastic campaign that culminated in him winning the Eredivisie title.
And Kokcu was the man who lifted the trophy as captain.
He made 46 appearances in the 2022/23 season, and scored 12 goals and made five assists.
Kokcu’s fine form has inevitably led to speculation about his future now. It is thought that a number of clubs across Europe are keen on the Turkey international.
One of those clubs is thought to be Wolves.
But it would appear the player has made up his mind about his next destination.
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Wolves set to miss out on Orkun Kokcu, who has said ‘yes’ to Benfica
According to 1908.nl, Kokcu has given the green light to make a move to Portuguese champions Benfica.
Apparently there is a verbal agreement for him to join.
But the two clubs must now agree on a fee. Benfica are apparently going to come in with an opening offer of just over £25 million. But Feyenoord are looking for closer to £34 million.
It is stated that if an agreement is reached on a lower amount than £34 million, then Feyenoord would expect to include a sell-on clause.
Kokcu is reporting for international duty with Turkey at the weekend. Benfica are hoping to come to an agreement before he goes.
Orkun Kokcu would have been a quality signing for Wolves but finances involved suggest he is out of their budget
So Kokcu is making a move from one league champion to another.
It isn’t the first time Benfica will have signed a player Wolves wanted, with Enzo Fernandez joining the club last year.
Looking at the finances being reported here, it looks as though Wolves would never really had a chance.
Apparently Wanderers are looking at players in the £10-20 million bracket this summer given the concerns about FFP.
Kokcu would have been a very decent player to have. Hopefully Wolves can find another central midfielder who is just as good and just as handy for chipping in with goals and assists.