Premier League side Leeds United have reportedly joined the race to sign 25-year-old Turkish goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir from Trabzonspor.
According to a report by Turkish outlet Fanatik, Leeds United have joined a host of European clubs in showing an interest in Ugurcan Cakir. After the ongoing season, the 25-year-old will have two years remaining on his contract with Trabzonspor.
A Trabzonspor youth product, Cakir has been with the Turkish side since 2012 and has made 149 appearances for their first team, keeping 38 clean sheets in the process. Now the club captain, the goalkeeper was named the club’s first-choice shot-stopper midway through the 2018/19 season following the retirement of Onur Kivrak.
The 2020/21 season was his best for Trabzonspor as the 25-year-old kept 13 clean sheets in 38 league matches – the joint-highest in the Super Lig – and conceded just 36 goals in the process. Cakir has not let his guard down this season either, keeping 10 clean sheets in just 28 matches and letting in 26 goals, the fewest in the league so far.
His impressive form between the sticks has been crucial for Trabzonspor this season, who are leading the league by 15 points. Clubs from Europe have started taking notice of Cakir’s performances, including Premier League side Leeds United.
The Whites have signed two goalkeepers in the last two summer transfer windows, but neither Illan Meslier nor Kristoffer Klaesson has looked as safe and sound between the sticks as Leeds would have liked. With Meslier also linked with Barcelona, signing a goalkeeper could become an urgent need for Leeds.
As a result, the Premier League side are on the lookout for a shot-stopper and have identified Cakir as a potential signing. The Fanatik report also claims that Leeds had previously made an enquiry for the Turkish shot-stopper. In the summer, they are expected to make another move, with Trabzonspor holding out for a €20 million fee.
Leeds have had a tumultuous season so far and are in the relegation battle. However, if they do manage to survive, a move for Cakir could be on the cards. But with Newcastle United also linked with the 25-year-old, a transfer battle could ensue.
