Leeds United are reportedly eyeing up a summer move for Trabzonspor goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir, as Jesse Marsch looks to perfect his squad.
The Lowdown: Cakir shining in Turkey
Cakir has emerged as arguably Turkey’s best ‘keeper in recent years, winning 17 caps for his country and starting three matches at Euro 2020 last summer.
The 25-year-old’s form once saw him linked with a move to Liverpool but the transfer failed to materialise and he has remained at Trabzonspor since making his debut in 2014.
Cakir’s current deal doesn’t run out until the summer of 2024 but it appears as though Leeds are eyeing up a move in the near future.
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The Latest: Leeds already in talks with agent
According to Turkish outlet Fanatik [via Sport Witness], the Whites have ‘stepped in’ for the Turk regarding a summer move, with Newcastle United also mentioned in the report.
It is claimed that ‘officials of the British team contacted the agent’ of Cakir, as interest in his signature hots up.
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The Verdict: Meslier heading elsewhere?
Considering Cakir would likely arrive at Leeds expecting to be first choice, it does potentially raise doubts over Illan Meslier’s future at Elland Road.
Marsch surely wouldn’t feel the need to have both players in his squad – keeping them happy would be extremely difficult – so you have to wonder if their current stopper is heading elsewhere.
The hope is surely that Meslier stays put, given his potential, but Cakir is only 25 years of age himself and also has a high ceiling, having been hailed as ‘one of the best goalkeepers I have seen in my life’ by Leicester City Head of Senior Recruitment Lee Congerton.
In other news, one club are reportedly lining up a fresh bid for one Leeds player. Read more here.