Liverpool and Man Utd ‘competing to sign’ player who sparked controversy by declining to wear LGBTQ+ armband.

Liverpool and Manchester United are reportedly in a transfer battle to sign a player who was at the center of controversy three years ago.

According to Caught Offside, both Premier League powerhouses are pursuing Benfica midfielder Orkun Kökçü. The 24-year-old is also attracting interest from Tottenham, Inter Milan, and Turkish clubs Galatasaray, Fenerbahce, and Besiktas.

Benfica are believed to be asking for €40 million for Kökçü, who moved to the Portuguese side from Feyenoord for around €25 million on a five-year deal.

Liverpool are currently considered frontrunners in the race, as Kökçü is reportedly keen on reuniting with his former Feyenoord coach, Arne Slot, and prefers a move to the Premier League champions.

Kökçü previously captained Feyenoord under Slot but made headlines in 2022 when he opted not to wear the OneLove rainbow armband during a league campaign promoting LGBTQ+ inclusivity. Austrian defender Gernot Trauner wore the armband instead during Feyenoord’s 3-1 win over AZ Alkmaar, in which Kökçü scored and assisted.

Ahead of that match, Kökçü released a statement explaining his decision, citing his religious beliefs. He emphasized that while he respects all individuals regardless of background or identity, he did not feel comfortable wearing the armband due to his faith.

Born in the Netherlands, Kökçü left Feyenoord at the end of the 2022/23 season and has since made 98 appearances for Benfica, scoring 19 goals.

The rainbow armband campaign also exists in the Premier League, where players such as former Sheffield United captain Anel Ahmedhodzic have declined to wear it. Last season, Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi attracted attention for writing “I love Jesus” and “Jesus loves you” on his rainbow armband.