OPINION
Liverpool are continuing to circle Trabzonspor goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir so it’s clear they have a strong interest in the 23-year-old goalkeeper.
Cakir has failed to keep a clean sheet in any of his 16 outings this season and has conceded 23 goals, but Liverpool’s recruitment team have hardly been wrong in recent times, so it’s hard not to trust them.
Turkish outlet Kamu Güncel Haber claimed a Reds scout watched Cakir during Monday’s 2-2 draw between Trabzonspor and Istanbul Basaksehir, and this isn’t the first time the club have wanted an up-close and personal look at the shot-stopper as Turkish outlet Dirilis Postasi reported that Liverpool watched him play in September.
However, Liverpool aren’t the only ones in the hunt for the 23-year-old as 61Saat reported that Tottenham, Arsenal as well as Newcastle United all had their eye on him.
Cakir’s agent Engin Kirkpinar also previously shared to iNews that there has been “contact” over the Turkey international, so that implies he may be an in-demand player.
This, in turn, means the Reds will likely have a battle on their hands if they want to sign the 6ft 3in colossus, as per Transfermarkt, to join their ranks anytime soon.
Yet Jurgen Klopp’s side may have an ace up their sleeve when it comes to the reported race for Cakir as an ex-Liverpool star in the form of Daniel Sturridge is currently playing for Trabzonspor.
The former England international only left Anfield in the summer, so his connection with the club is still strong, and he likely will only have kind words to say about his time with the Reds.
After all, he’s stint at the club was successful for him as he scored 68 goals in 160 appearances.
It’s also worth noting that Sturridge recently revealed that he had a nice talk with Martin Skrtel about the good memories that they shared at Liverpool, which implies the 30-year-old would no doubt be a great advert for the club.
If Cekir has Sturridge in his ear saying how great a club Liverpool are to play for them, then surely it will see him opt for Klopp’s team over any other Premier League side if the Reds opt to make an offer.
It’s clear Sturridge could give the Reds an edge as it would be reassuring for the player to know he was potentially joining the right club based on the opinion of someone who knew Liverpool inside and out as well as himself.
