Newcastle United have not given up hope of signing Trabzonspor goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir despite claims that he has agreed a summer move to Liverpool, according to HaberTS.
If there is one position where the Magpies do not need to reinvest, at least on paper, it is between the sticks.
But, while Martin Dubravka has enjoyed a season to remember, making more saves than any other Premier League glovesman, a new goalkeeper might be required after all.
Who could blame Karl Darlow and Rob Elliot if they are unwilling to entertain another year out of the starting XI? Freddie Woodman, meanwhile, is facing an uncertain future with his contract due to expire in 2021.
The Northern Echo reported in October that Cakir had caught the eye at St James’ Park and, unsurprisingly, the Turkish international is still in Newcastle’s sights. As he should be.
The 24-year-old has been a revelation for a Trabzonspor side who were closing in on their first Super Lig title since the 1980s before the season was put on hold, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most promising shot-stoppers while earning the praise of Brazil legend Claudio Taffarel.
Cakir, whose transfer value has tripled from £8.5 million to £25 million in the space of one season, looks certain to leave Trabzonspor in the summer. Whether Newcastle have left it too late to step up their interest, however, remains to be seen.
If ex-Trabzonspor coach Sadi Tekelioglu is to be believed, Cakir is on the verge of becoming Liverpool’s first summer signing.
“Liverpool will sign Ugurcan Çakır at the end of the season. Trabzonspor will not say no to Liverpool’s offer,” says a man who believes Cakir is very bit as talented as Milan’s Gigi Donnarumma, speaking to Takvim.
“I met with Ugurcan. He told me that Liverpool took care of him. “
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