According to a recent report by Fanatik (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness), Liverpool will face fierce competition from Everton, Benfica, Sevilla, Atalanta and Lyon in pursuit of Trabzonspor custodian Ugurcan Cakir this summer. The same source has also mentioned that the Reds remain interested in acquiring the services of the Turkish keeper and could test Trabzonspor’s resolve with an offer during the summer transfer window (via Sport Witness).
Cakir’s Inconsistent Form At The Şenol Güneş Stadium
It has been a campaign of mixed emotions for the Antalya-born talent as he has struggled to find consistency with his performances in between the sticks so far. He has conceded 39 goals and kept four clean sheets in 33 appearances for Hüseyin Çimşir’s side this term across all competitions which showcase just how much he has struggled to keep shutouts at the back despite not shipping in too many goals.
Cakir has also averaged 0.8 clearances per game and has completed 60.4% of his attempted passes in the Turkish Super Lig and the UEFA Europa League this season (stats via whoscored). His numbers are far from convincing, but he is still more than capable of serving as a deputy to Allison Becker at Anfield due to his experience and potential.
The 24-year-old has represented Turkey at various youth levels before going on to feature for his country’s senior team in two international matches. However, he has mostly been named on the bench under the stewardship of Turkey boss Senol Gunes thus far. Maybe a change of scenery this summer could enhance his chances of securing more game time for his nation in the years to come.
What Does The Turkish Custodian Bring To The Table?
Cakir can use his fast reflexes to pull off some instinctive saves at the back. He can position himself well and make a quick dive to stop a goalbound shot from the opposition. However, the Turkish shot-stopper is not the best handler of the ball and can be a bit wasteful with his ball-distribution as well. At 24, he has his best years ahead of him, so all of his potential suitors including the Reds will hope that he can grow into a top-class keeper someday.
Is Cakir The Right Choice For The Reds?
Jurgen Klopp currently has one of the best goalkeepers in the world in Alisson. However, the Brazilian international has lacked a decent back-up since his big move to Anfield. Adrian has mostly filled in during his absence and has impressed a lot of people with his performances in the first half of this campaign. However, the Spanish veteran was guilty of committing a lot of unforgivable mistakes in the second leg match versus Atletico Madrid which saw Liverpool get knocked out of the Champions League before the football world came to a standstill because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
That night highlighted the fact that Klopp needs to recruit a worthy deputy to Alisson. Hence, Cakir fits the bill perfectly as he is a promising young keeper, who has the ceiling to break into the world-class bracket if given a nurturing environment to hone his skills. Klopp will be the ideal man to get the best out of him while Cakir will also get a chance to learn from one of the best in Alisson, which will help him develop as a goalkeeper. With all things considered, the Trabzonspor custodian could be a decent choice for the Merseyside giants before the start of the new season.
