Newcastle United are looking to finally bring Fenerbahce midfielder Irfan Can Kahveci to the Premier League having previously made a £13 million bid for the Turkey international, as reported by Yeni Asir.
According to the report, the Magpies are prioritising a “number eight with Champions League experience”.
And Kahveci certainly ticks those boxes.
It is believed Newcastle offered £13 million for the Ankara-born playmaker in the past.
And, despite having a contract until 2025, Kahveci’s market value is understood to have dropped substantially since, the likely consequence of the pandemic coupled with his lack of game time during Turkey’s disastrous Euro 2020 campaign.
Newcastle target Kahveci is creative and versatile
Kahveci started just one game as Senol Gunes’ side crashed out in the group stages, more like donkeys than dark horses in the tournament.
He did score their only goal of the tournament, though, and what a goal it was. The midfielder cut inside and lashed a rocket of a shot into the top corner during Turkey’s 3-1 defeat to Switzerland.
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Kahveci is hardly a natural goalscorer, however, having scored just twice during his debut Super Lig campaign for Fenerbahce in 2020/21.
What he would bring to Steve Bruce’s squad, however, is plenty of creativity, a cultured left foot, dextrous dribbling skills and an eye for a defence-splitting through ball.
Kahveci is most comfortable in a central midfield role, although he can also operate on the right.
Perhaps Newcastle see the 25-year-old as a potential replacement for last season’s loan star Joe Willock, who looks set to be handed a chance to impress under Mikel Arteta next term.
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