Liverpool are still interested in signing Turkish goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir, a player they have been linked to before.
We had reported earlier in the summer that the Reds were keen on adding a Cakir to the squad, but despite the signing of former West Ham United keeper Adrian, Liverpool are still interested in signing the 23-year-old Turkish international, who would be a younger backup for Alisson Becker.
According to Turkish outlet Gunes (via Daily Post), Liverpool have sent a scout to monitor and assess Cakir. This time, Liverpool have competition in Italian giants Juventus to the signature of Cakir, as per the report.
The report further states that the Turkish international would cost the Merseyside club €30 million.
Cakir has made 41 appearances for Trabzonspor in all competitions, since making his debut for the side. The 23-year-old also made his national debut earlier this year, playing for Turkey against Greece in a friendly.
Should Liverpool make a move for Ugurcan Cakir in January?
Liverpool let Simon Mignolet leave the club in the summer transfer window, who deputised for Alisson last season, while Loris Karius is in the second year of his loan spell at Besiktas.
This left the Reds with no experienced backup ‘keeper in the squad. The Reds then signed former West Ham United keeper Adrian, who was a free agent, and he was thrust into the first team following an injury to Alisson.
Alisson’s injury also forced Liverpool to sign 35-year-old Andy Lonergan as the third-choice ‘keeper for the Reds, as Adrian picked up a knock which almost resulted in a mini goalkeeping crisis.
It’s quite evident that the Reds need a strong backup ‘keeper as Adrian has had his moments of madness, while Lonergan may not be a long-term solution as he has never played in the Premier League previously.
The Reds should make a move for Cakir as he is a promising ‘keeper who has good reflexes and shot-stopping skills.
The Turkish international has played 7 games this season, including 4 in the Europa League qualifying stages. The 23-year-old has the potential to become a solid ‘keeper for the Reds and a useful backup keeper to Alisson, despite the lofty price tag of €30 million.
Liverpool could perhaps make a loan move for the 23-year-old, and then sign him on a permanent deal.