Tottenham have watched Turkish internationals Kerem Akturkoglu and Orkuk Kokcu in the recent international break
Tottenham Hotspur have moved smartly in the transfer market since Ange Postecoglou became the head coach in the summer of 2023.
The north Londoners have prioritised the signing of young talents over established stars in the last few transfer windows. The influx of youngsters brimming with confidence and potential has helped the club reduce the overall age of the squad whilst allowing Ange Postecoglou to employ his system smoothly.
After investing heavily in the past summer transfer window, it seems Spurs have already started planning for the future. According to a report from CaughtOffside, Tottenham sent scouts to watch Turkish internationals Kerem Akturkoglu and Orkun Kokcu in action against Iceland in a UEFA Nations League fixture in the recent international break.
Orkun Kokcu has been one of the most productive midfielders across Europe in recent years. After growing in stature exponentially at Feyenoord, the Netherlands-born talent joined Benfica in July 2023. Since then, he has gone from strength and strength and his performances in Portugal have seemingly gone unnoticed.
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As for Kerem Akturkoglu, he followed his international teammate Kokcu to Benfica in September, thus, ending his productive four-year stay with Galatasaray. And he has enjoyed a bright start to his career in Benfica with two goals and as many assists in three league games.
The aforementioned report adds that Spurs and other clubs will get a chance to watch the Turkish duo during Benfica’s Champions League clash against Feyenoord next week. The Portuguese giants don’t have any plans to sell either player in the winter transfer window, though, they have conceded that should a joint offer of around €70 million be tabled, it could change their minds.
There has been a need for a Kokcu-type of midfielder since Big Ange became the Tottenham boss, and on his part, he did try to bring in a few players to fit his system, but none of those worked out. Kokcu is a workhorse No.8 who not only works diligently defensively but is also highly productive in the final third. The Turkey international would be an upgrade over the injury-prone Rodrigo Bentancur if he arrives at N17.
Akturkoglu, meanwhile, has speed, tenacity and flair in abundance in his locker. In addition, the 25-year-old can also score goals and make assists. Spurs could certainly do with a winger of his quality and European experience.
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Of course, with Manchester United also interested in the Benfica pair, it is unlikely Spurs will get the upper hand in this tussle for their signatures. Yet, our club must try their best to persuade Benfica to sell Kokcu and Akturkoglu next year.
