La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing 17-year-old Turkish goalkeeping sensation Onuralp Cevikkan.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Onuralp Cevikkan is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. The 17-year-old is one of the brightest young prospects in his homeland. So, with Andriy Lunin facing an uncertain future at the Santiago Bernabeu, the Merengues have set their sights on the Trabzonspor goalkeeper.
Onuralp Cevikkan is one of the most highly-rated young goalkeepers in Europe. A former trainee at Altinordu FK, the Turkish goalkeeping sensation rose through the ranks at the Izmir-based club, rising to the under-17 level. But he did not graduate from the Altinordu Academy and joined Trabzonspor this past summer.
The 17-year-old currently turns out for Trabzonspor’s under-19 team while breaking into Turkey’s under-18 side. Cevikkan has also broken into the club’s first-team matchday squad once, making the group against Fatih Karagumuruk SK last month. Meanwhile, the youngster’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of many high-profile clubs, including Real Madrid.
Real Madrid will likely part ways with Andriy Lunin in one of the two transfer windows next year. The Ukrainian international is frustrated with his situation at the Santiago Bernabeu, with a few Premier League clubs and Real Betis keen on signing him.
Recent reports have claimed that Real Madrid might offer Lunin a new contract after his impressive performances this month. But amid uncertainties surrounding Lunin’s future, Real Madrid should delve into the market for a replacement. Onuralp Cevikkan has thus emerged as a viable target for the Spanish giants.
With Thibaut Courtois on the wrong side of 30, Cevikkan is in the right age profile to be ready to take over when the Belgian international calls time on his glittering career. But he might not get regular game time at Real Madrid for a few years, especially if Courtois strongly bounces back from his injury.
Nonetheless, Cevikkan is an intriguing target for Real Madrid to replace Lunin next year. It will be interesting to see if the Merengues launch the offensive to prise the 17-year-old Turkish goalkeeping sensation away from Trabzonspor next year.
