Orkun Kökçü on verge of Benfica exit after Tottenham news
Thomas Frank has highlighted central midfield as a key area of weakness for Tottenham.
Arguably, Spurs’ main issues last season stemmed from a lack of control in the centre of the park, hindering their ability to create chances while allowing the opposition to break their lines far too easily.
Tottenham lack a number six, though Frank’s long-held appreciation for Archie Gray could see the England Under-21 international step up to the task.
However, Yves Bissouma could leave Spurs this summer and has one year left on his contract, as does Rodrigo Bentancur, which opens up a spot for a new arrival this summer.
Orkun Kökçü is on the verge of joining Beşiktaş
One of the players Tottenham have been linked with is Orkun Kökçü, as per Caughtoffside (5 July).
The Turkey international plies his trade in Portugal with Benfica, and has had a stellar season in the middle of the park as the Eagles fell just two points short of winning the Primeira Liga.
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
| Primeira Liga | 33 | 7 | 7 | 2,647′ |
| Champions League | 12 | 4 | – | 996′ |
The 24-year-old has been the heart of the team since signing from Feyenoord in June 2023, and has consistently posted excellent numbers from central midfield.
However, in a bitter blow for Spurs, Kökçü is on the verge of signing for Beşiktaş, as per Fabrizio Romano (10 July).
Frank will have to return to the drawing board and assess his next move, although the return to fitness of Lucas Bergvall will offer the Dane some reprieve.
Pape Matar Sarr set for big role under Frank
Going off Frank’s formations at Brentford, Spurs are likely to employ a double pivot, which could be great news for Pape Matar Sarr.
The Senegal international rarely reached his top form last season. However, the 22-year-old did come up trumps in the UEFA Europa League final by providing the assist for Brennan Johnson’s winning goal.
Under Frank, the young midfielder would have another body close to him to help the former Metz player with defensive responsibilities, which can sometimes be exposed.
Sarr’s fitness and inexhaustible energy will also be better utilised as he will likely be afforded the license to break forward with the ball more often.
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