According to a recent report by Turkish media outlet Fotospor, Derby County are ready to make a move for Fenerbahce’s versatile attacker Ferdi Kadioglu. The Rams were linked with him even in the January transfer window, but the move didn’t go through. Now it seems like Phillip Cocu is once again ready to target Kadioglu.
Cocu had already worked with Kadioglu in the past when he held the managerial position at Turkish outfit Fenerbahce. The Turkish giants reportedly want €15m for the 20-year-old attacker. But the Rams are looking to pay somewhere in the region of €5m. It remains to be seen whether the two parties would be able to come to an agreement or not with Fenerbahce demanding more than Derby County’s valuation.
Derby County are currently at the 12th spot on the table in the Championship. However, they are just 5 points behind sixth-placed Preston North End. Hence, an excellent late run in the season could still see them make the playoffs provided football for this term even resumes.
20-year-old Kadioglu is currently an u-21 Netherlands international. He has made 23 appearances in all competitions for Fenerbahce this season and has contributed with four goals and three assists. He has primarily been used as a winger this campaign, but he is capable of playing as an attacking midfielder as well.
What is Kadioglu capable of?
The versatile attacker’s standout assets are his pace and ability to accelerate when he is on the ball. That is why he has been used as a winger even though many see him as an attacking midfielder. Kadioglu showcases impressive passing range, and he has the vision to pick out a killer pass in the final third which can unlock defences. The Netherlands youngster has the dribbling skills and ability to go past defenders in one on one situation.
The 20-year-old might need to work on the physical side of his game to thrive in the English league. His overall defensive work and tracking back will also need to improve. Nevertheless, we believe that he is worth going after as Kadioglu is a player on an upward trajectory and he has shown promising signs so far. The Rams should get this deal done, but Fenerbahce are currently demanding a bit too much for him.
