Feyenoord midfielder Orkun Kökçü has revealed why a move to Leicester City failed in January but opened the door to a summer transfer instead.
Kökçü was heavily linked with a move to the Premier League last summer but ultimately signed a new deal until 2025 at the Dutch club instead.
That ended any rumours about a move, something which remained the case until the end of January when the Turkish media said Leicester had enquired about the midfielder as they sought out a replacement for Dennis Praet.
Ultimately the move never happened, with Kökçü remaining in the Netherlands and Leicester not signing anyone.
Now, the midfielder has revealed that it was never a serious option and explained why that was the case.
“Because I was not fit, and Feyenoord did not want to cooperate,” he told Voetbal International.
“Then you’re done quickly.
“I thought it was a good sign that clubs like that were still following me, despite my injury and the fact that I hadn’t played much.”
While a January move was off the cards, Kökçü has opened the door for a summer move if Leicester remain interested in his services.
Like many clubs, Feyenoord could be forced to sell their prize assets this summer, with the club having taken a hit financially as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Kökçü would be on of those they might be able to sell for a good price, particularly with interest from the Premier League, and he has made it more than clear he is willing to sit down and look at what is offered to him.
“I still have a contract until 2025, but the situation has changed,” he added.
“Feyenoord have been very open about the financial situation, and it is clear that the club is ending up in the minus.
“If a club comes to me with a good story and Feyenoord can make money from it, I can imagine that I will listen to it.”
