According to a recent report by France Football, Barcelona are monitoring the progress of Galatasaray youngster Mustafa Kapi whose current contract in Turkey expires at the end of this campaign. The same source has also mentioned that the Catalan outfit enquired about the possibility of bringing the Turkish midfielder to the Nou Camp this summer. The youngster has recently fallen out of favour with the Istanbul outfit after deciding not to pen a new deal which resulted in the player having a public spat with the club (via France Football).
Kapi’s Incredible Rise In Turkish Football
Kapi is a product of the Denizlispor youth academy before he joined Galatasaray back in 2014. He wrote his name in the record books when he made his senior debut for the Turkish outfit at the age of 14 in a friendly game against Levski Sofia in 2016. Two years later, the teen sensation played in his first competitive match against Sivasspor and thus, became the club’s youngest ever player to play in an official game.
The 17-year-old has been a prominent presence in Galatasaray’s Under-19 team this season, scoring one goal in 20 matches across all competitions. His dazzling displays in Ceyhun Müderrisoglu’s midfield has raised his stock in European football. Hence, it is no surprise that an elite club like Barca are interested in acquiring his services this summer.
The Denizli-born talent has represented Turkey at various youth levels and is currently the captain of the Turkish Under-18 side. He has learned a lot from his international experience so far and looks destined to have a bright career for his nation in the future.
What Are The Galatasaray Starlet’s Best Attributes?
Kapi has decent pace in his locker and excels at making some driving runs with the ball from midfield. He boasts outstanding ball-control and has the potential to create some inviting openings for his teammates in the final third. The Turkish starlet fits Barcelona’s model of playing possession-based football with an emphasis on quickly winning the ball back high up the pitch. He can retain possession well for his side and is quite silky in the way he operates at the centre of the park. Furthermore, the 17-year-old is a natural leader who can inspire his teammates to perform at a high level on the field.
Is Kapi A Star In The Making?
Kapi could find a perfect home at the Nou Camp as he needs a nurturing environment to improve his game and unlock his true potential. The Catalans are renowned for developing top young talents and promoting them from their prestigious academy, La Masia.
With Sergio Busquets, Arturo Vidal and Ivan Rakitic edging towards the end of their respective careers, Quique Setien would be wise to recruit a young midfielder of Kapi’s high ceiling so that he can promote him to the first-team when he is ready in a few years’ time. The Turkish midfield ace will undeniably a prospect to look out for in the future as he has all the attributes to be a success story in European football.
