One of the key factors in Liverpool‘s incredible 2018-19 season has been their defence, which was shepherded brilliantly by Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson, who signed for the Merseyside club last summer for £66.8 million. He has so far played in 50 games in the season with Liverpool’s No. 2 Simon Mignolet, playing only twice in the season.
And now there are reports that the Reds could be interested in a young Turkish goalkeeper, Ugurcan Cakir, to possibly replace Mignolet as the Liverpool No. 2, next season.
The 23-year-old goalkeeper’s agent recently sparked speculation of Cakir’s move to Anfield when he revealed that the club and he have had discussions regarding a switch.
“Every team have scouts and some of them are following Ugurcan’s matches.
“Schalke haven’t made an official offer for him. I know Lille and Schalke are following him.
“Liverpool are also interested in him. Liverpool officials have talked with us, we had some contacts, but no official offer has come from them,” said the agent of Cakir recently.
Cakir plays for Turkish side Trabzonspor, and he will be available for just £4.5million.
Signing Ugurcan Cakir would be a shrewd move by Liverpool
Cakir is a promising goalkeeper who is a good shot-stopper with quick reflexes. The 6’3″ goalkeeper has been impressive while saving close range shots this season, which even earned him a call-up to the national team.
In the 18 games that he’s started for Trabzonspor in the league, Cakir has conceded just 20 goals, while keeping 5 clean sheets. The Turkish club are currently 4th in the league with two games to spare, and five points behind the third-place team, Besiktas.
Cakir could be a useful back-up goalkeeper for Alisson and has a lot of potential to be a good keeper in the future. At 23 years of age and Alisson at the peak of his powers, the Turkish keeper will not be challenging for the No. 1 jersey anytime soon.
Simon Mignolet is perhaps leaving the club as he has barely played this season, while Loris Karius is on a two-year loan at Besiktas.
With a low price tag, Liverpool could make a move for Cakir, who will most likely end up being Alisson’s understudy at the club.
