According to the reports from a Turkish media outlet, 61 saat as cited by the Sun, Newcastle United have joined the race to sign Trabzonspor goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir. Premier League heavyweights like Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal are also said to be interested in the custodian. It is estimated that he will cost somewhere around £17m.
The 23-year-old has represented his national team Turkey once and with some top clubs interested, one can make out how highly-rated he is at the moment. However, the Trabzonspor stopper hasn’t had a best of starts this season as he is yet to keep a clean sheet in 13 appearances in all competitions.
Does Newcastle United need goalkeepers?
The Magpies have Martin Dubravka who is the first-choice goalkeeper at the club. Dubravka drew attention from French heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain this summer, but the Magpies were able to keep hold of him. Recently Mark Douglas of the Chronicle revealed that he expects Dubravka to sign a new contract at the club. If that happens then, United will have a long term first-choice goalkeeper.
Apart from that, the Magpies have Karl Darlow and Rob Elliot. Both of them are in the final year of their contract. The Toon even allowed England u-20 World Cup winner Freddie Woodman to join Swansea City on loan. The youngster has done well for the Welsh outfit so far. We think that Woodman will likely become the second choice from next season as Darlow and Elliot might be allowed to leave.
What are the chances of Bruce making a move for Cakir?
Cakir’s value is said to be around £17m and spending that kind of money when the club has decent options doesn’t make sense. Moreover, the other top clubs might be more keen on getting him. Hugo Lloris suffered a horrific injury, and he is going to be out atleast until January.
Arsenal might be on the lookout for a proper backup to Bernd Leno. As for Liverpool, they might look for a backup for Alisson Becker though Adrian has done well this season.
Steve Bruce has other essential areas to look at, and we don’t see the Toon spending millions on a goalkeeper. However, things could change if Dubravka is reluctant to sign a new deal. If he pushes for a move to say PSG, then United might need someone like Cakir. Until that happens, we expect the Magpies to remain clear of this transfer.
