Newcastle United are again being linked with a move for Turkish international goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır by media outlets in his native Turkey.
This is despite the Trabzonspor stopper recently signing a new deal at the club which expires in 2027. According to Sozcu, this new deal more than doubled his wages.
Despite this, Sabah are claiming Trabzonspor could still sell the highly-rated 26-year-old at the end of the season. That is, at the right price.
The report claims the figure would need to be in the region of €20 million (£17.5 million). Newcastle United are the only team mentioned as a possible destination.
Uğurcan Çakır linked with Newcastle United before
Newcastle United fans will obviously, and understandably, take this news with a pinch of salt. Çakır has been linked with over half of the teams currently in the Premier League in recent years. His name has also been linked with Newcastle in the past, including this summer just gone.
The 21-cap international is an obviously talented player. He has been considered one of the best goalkeepers in the Turkish Super Lig for a number of years. However, the need for his services at St James’ Park seems questionable at present. Nick Pope is the club’s number one and doing a fine job of it. Meanwhile, while Karl Darlow is currently injured, he is contracted to the club until 2025 and seems content.
Potential European goalkeeper?
One potential reason why Newcastle might still have Çakır on their radar could revolve around potential European involvement next season.
While Darlow is an excellent back-up, Newcastle may consider a more exciting talent to feature in midweek. West Ham adopted a similar system with Alphonse Areola in their run to the Europa League semi-final last season.
In that scenario, Çakır might appear to be a more likely option.
However, until Newcastle fans see something in the English press regarding any interest in Çakır, this is a story best taken lightly.
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