In a recent segment on VOLE’s Youtube channel (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness), Haberturk journalist Serdar Ali Celikler has confirmed that Liverpool have launched a €25m bid for Trabzonspor keeper Ugurcan Cakir ahead of the summer transfer window. Celikler provided an update on the Turkish goalie’s future when he said (via Sport Witness),
“I’ve made some calls with my Trabzonspor sources. I can confirm that Liverpool have made a bid for Ugurcan Cakir, which is worth €25m.”
Cakir’s current contract at Şenol Güneş Stadium runs out in the summer of 2024 which means that the Turkish outfit won’t be under any pressure to sell him this summer.
Cakir’s Lack Of Consistency In Turkish Football This Season
It has been an up and down season for the Antalya-born custodian as he has struggled to find a decent run of form when lining up in between the sticks for Hüseyin Çimşir’s side so far. The 24-year-old has shipped in 39 goals and secured four clean sheets in 33 matches for his current employers this term on all fronts which highlight just how much he has struggled to keep shutouts despite not allowing too many goals at the back.
However, Cakir deserves credit for averaging 0.8 clearances per game and completing 60.4% of his attempted passes in the Turkish Super Lig and the UEFA Europa League this season (stats via whoscored). His stats have left a lot to be desired so far. However, he is still a reliable presence in goal and is more than capable of playing second-fiddle to Allison Becker at Anfield based on his experience and potential.
The former Yamanspor youngster has represented Turkey at various youth levels before making an impact for his country’s senior team. He has earned two international caps for the Turkish national team thus far. However, a high-profile switch to Merseyside this summer could see him receive limited game time which might hamper his chances of securing more senior caps for his nation in the years to come.
What Are The Two-Time Turkish International’s Best Attributes?
Cakir boasts quick reflexes that allow him to make some instinctive saves inside his own penalty box. He can read the danger and position himself accordingly to pull off a few crucial stops for his side. However, the Turkish shot-stopper is far from convincing with his ball-handling and tends to be a bit wasteful with his ball-distribution out from the back as well. At 24, the best is yet to come from him, so Jurgen Klopp will fancy his chances of developing him into a world-class keeper in the coming seasons.
Is Cakir The Right Fit For The Reds?
At the moment, the Reds have one of the best goalkeepers in world football in Alisson Becker. However, the Brazilian international needs a capable deputy so that his team doesn’t suffer in terms of results during his absence. Adrian has mostly been a worthy back-up during the first half of this campaign. However, his poor display in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League last-16 clash against Atletico Madrid saw the Merseyside giants get knocked out of the competition. It had tarnished the Spanish veteran’s reputation before the football world came to an unexpected standstill as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recruiting Cakir could prove to be a decent coup for the Premier League leaders as he is a talented young goalie, who has the potential to grow into a top-class player in his position someday. The Turkish custodian will also get the honour to learn from one of the best in the business in Alisson, which might help him improve as a goalkeeper. With all things considered, the Trabzonspor star will be a decent fit for the Reds ahead of the new season.
