Liverpool have set their sights on Trabzonspor goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir, with the Reds reportedly preparing a €17 million offer to sign the Leipzig target.
According to Turkish news outlet, Sabah, Liverpool are looking to reinforce their goalkeeping unit by signing Ugurcan Cakir in the upcoming summer transfer window. The Trabzonspor shot-stopper has become a hot prospect in the market ever since his breakthrough in the Turkish Super Lig as well as the Turkish national team. He is also courted by other European giants including RB Leipzig and Sevilla.
Liverpool, though, may have the upper hand as they are already preparing a €17 million offer for Cakir. Trabzonspor legend Hamdi Aslan believes that the goalkeeper’s values could skyrocket further in light of his recent performances during the international break.
Cakir has performed equally well in the Turkish Super Lig as well, becoming an ever-present figure in between the sticks for Trabzonspor. In 28 matches this season, the ‘keeper has conceded only 29 goals with ten clean sheets and an average of 3.3 saves per game.
The 24-year-old’s contributions in between the sticks have been critical in helping the Karadeniz Firtinasi remain inside the top-four contention, just four points short of third-placed Fenerbahce.
As a result, Cakir is now courted by a host of clubs across Europe, including RB Leipzig. It appears the Bundesliga giants are preparing for a potential exit of former Liverpool youth prodigy Peter Gulacsi, who is being reportedly courted by Borussia Dortmund this summer.
Speaking of Liverpool, their pursuit of Cakir is hardly surprising as Jurgen Klopp looks to find a reliable alternative for Alisson. The club currently boasts the services of Adrian, whose consistency is always questioned, and the young Caoimhin Kelleher who lacks experience at the highest level in football.
In Cakir, the Reds would find a strong competitor for Alisson – one who has not only proven himself at the highest level but also has immense potential. It does, however, raise the question as to whether or not the player himself would be too keen on joining Anfield, knowing he will only be considered as a number two.
Although there is no doubt that Cakir would be keen on making the next step in his career this summer, it appears RB Leipzig could be a more sensible destination, especially if Gulacsi does end up leaving the Red Bull Arena.
In the meantime, though, it will be interesting to see whether Liverpool manage to secure the services of another RB Leipzig star in Ibrahima Konate, who has been linked with an imminent move to Anfield recently.
