Turkey's goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir is seen during the friendly under-21 football match between France and Turkey at the Robert Diochon stadium in the northwestern city of Le Petit-Quevilly, northwestern France on October 12, 2018. (Getty Images)
Former Trabzonspor player Lemi Celik while speaking to Radyospor (h/t Daily Express), suggested that Chelsea are leading the race to sign Turkish goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir.
The 24-year-old shot-stopper has been key to Trabzonspor’s rise to the top of the league table alongside Istanbul Basaksehir. He has started in all but one of his side’s 26 Super Lig matches this season, conceding 27 goals and keeping four clean sheets.
Shot-stopper Cakir has become a regular within the side after his rise through the ranks at Trabzonspor last season. He made 20 league appearances and managed five clean sheets.
To date, he has made 67 appearances for the Turkish outfit and has 13 clean sheets to his name. His improved performances in between the sticks also saw him receive a national team call-up in May last year and has made two appearances for Turkey so far.
The report also claims that the goalkeeper had been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge earlier in March, with Chelsea identifying him as a potential replacement for Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The Blues No.1 keeper has endured a difficult season at the London side, raising concerns regarding his future at the club. His inconsistency in goal saw him lose his first-team spot and was replaced by Willy Caballero midway through the season.
Kepa had become the most expensive goalkeeper in history after completing a £72million move from Atletico Madrid back in 2018. However, after an impressive debut season, where he established himself as the Blues No.1 man by managing 14 clean sheets, Kepa’s position is now under scrutiny.
Despite featuring 25 times for them in the league this season, the 25-year-old has conceded 32 goals and managed just six clean sheets.
Apart from Kepa, Chelsea just have Caballero as a back-up. However, he will turn 39 this September and is clearly nearing the end of his career. That said, Chelsea’s decision to rope in Cakir seems like a wise move, especially considering the club’s future.
Having proved himself already at such a short time at Trabzonspor, Chelsea should not waste any more time and make a move for him as soon as possible.
Considering Kepa’s poor form in front of the sticks, it would be safe for Chelsea to make a move for Cakir. Also, his arrival will offer manager Lampard depth in the goalkeeping department ahead of next season. Having proved his mettle already at Trabzonspor, Cakir could prove to be an excellent fit at Stamford Bridge.
