In a recent report, Turkish news outlet Sabah claimed that Newcastle United are closely monitoring Trabzonspor goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir. It has been mentioned that the Magpies are keeping tabs on the Turkish goalie’s situation ahead of a potential move next year.
Cakir’s Impressive Run Of Form In Turkey
The 26-year-old is having a decent campaign in Turkish football as he has already made to put in a handful of solid displays in goal for Trabzonspor. Cakir has conceded 17 goals and secured five clean sheets in 12 appearances for his current club this season across various competitions.
The Antalya-born sensation has done well to average 0.4 clearances and 4.3 long balls per game in the Turkish Super Lig. However, he has even been sloppy when distributing the ball from the back, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 59.4% in the top tier of Turkish football (stats via whoscored).
Cakir’s current deal with Trabzonspor is set to run out in the summer of 2027. Therefore, it won’t be easy for the Magpies to land him on a cut-price fee next year. However, there is no denying that he is more than capable of rivaling Nick Pope for a regular starting spot at St. James’ Park in the coming seasons.
What Will Cakir Bring To Newcastle United?
Cakir has got decent reflexes under his belt and can make a few important saves to come to his team’s rescue at the back. The Turkish shot-stopper usually goes long with his passing which he needs to change if he wants to fit into Eddie Howe‘s style of play at Newcastle United.
We can expect Cakir to bring a lot of quality to Howe’s goalkeeper department at St. James’ Park. Plus, he would no doubt increase competition for places within Newcastle’s match-day squad. Thus, it makes sense for the Magpies to orchestrate a fair offer to acquire the Turkish keeper’s services during the January transfer window or next summer.
However, there are some question marks over whether Cakir has what it takes to cope with the physical nature and high intensity of Turkish football. Still, the pros outweigh the cons of recruiting the Turkish custodian based on his impressive career at Trabzonspor thus far.
At 26, Cakir is about to enter his prime and is well-equipped to make an instant impact at the Tyneside giants if he can find a way to make a smooth transition to life in England.
