Manchester United target unhappy as Benfica fail to fulfil promises

Benfica midfielder Orkun Kokcu is attracting interest from around Europe.

According to Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Manchester United are very keen on bringing the 23-year-old to Old Trafford in the summer.

It may be a challenge since Benfica are not planning to sell because they believe Kokcu has a high ceiling to improve in the coming years. And that allows the Portuguese giants to make even more profit on a player they bought from Feyenoord for around €30 million, as per NL Times.

Kokcu has scored three goals and registered 10 assists in his first season in the Portuguese league.

Benfica could demand at least €40 million if they decide to cash in on Kokcu this summer.

A report last week – via De Telegraaf – suggested that Kokcu is very unhappy at Benfica after just one season at the club.

The Turkey international accused Benfica manager Roger Schmidt of misusing him and not fulfilling the promises that led to him signing for the Liga NOS giants over other clubs.

Kokcu said: “No, this is not what I expected. There was a lot going on in the transfer market last summer, I made a conscious choice for Benfica with the idea that this was the best step in my career to further develop in all areas. That has only partially happened.

“I have of course seen how other players have been put in the spotlight in Portugal and at other big clubs. That creates a certain status. I never felt like I was being made to feel important from the start. Not even by the coach!”

He added: “I’m not the type to bang my fist on the table or make demands, but perhaps I was too modest because of the role he presented to me.”

It is alleged that the 23-year-old was promised a more advanced role for Benfica, but he has primarily been deployed in the central defensive midfield position.

Hardly a good sign when one of our apparent transfer market is complaining about being asked to play different positions.

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