Hasan Ali Kaldirim (Getty Images)
According to reports in Turkey (h/t Leicestershire Live), Leicester City are interested in signing Turkey left-back Hasan Ali Kaldirim in the summer.
Kaldirim, 30, currently piles his trade with Turkish giants Fenerbahce, whom he joined in 2012. He has established himself as the first-choice left-back at the Turkish outfit and has been instrumental throughout the last few years, helping them lift the Super Lig title in the 2013/14 season.
However, this term, he has featured in just 11 league games for the club due to injuries and with his contract coming to an end, he could be on the move to England, with Leicester City tipped to sign the experienced campaigner, as per the report.
The Foxes have been brilliant throughout the campaign with Brendan Rodgers in charge. They are flying high on the success of star forward Jamie Vardy, who has scored 17 goals and has won several games on his own.
At the same time, their defensive unit has been excellent so far with Jonny Evans and Caglar Soyuncu in the heart of the defence. They have conceded just 28 goals, boasting of the third-best defensive unit in the league. Full-backs Ricardo Pereira and Ben Chilwell have been at their best at both ends of the pitch, supporting the central defenders whenever necessary.
However, the Foxes are said to be on the lookout for a left-back as Ben Chilwell’s future with the club is uncertain. The English international has attracted interest from several top clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester United as per Daily Mail. He could be on a big-money move in the summer. Therefore, the Foxes manager should bring in reinforcements to the squad.
Leicester have another left-back in Christian Fuchs as a back-up option but the Austrian is already 33. He is way past his prime. Hence, a move for Fenerbahce’s Hasan Ali Kaldirim would be a wise move by the club.
Kaldirim would bring wealthy experience to Rodgers’ squad, whilst providing some much-needed depth. He has made 404 career appearances and his inclusion would be a huge boost to the squad. At 30, he still has some years to offer at the highest level and could be a viable option for the club.
The Turkish international has evolved into a modern full-back and has been a regular for Fenerbahce in the past 8 years, making 238 appearances and contributing with 8 goals and 27 assists. He could be a crucial player if he joins Leicester as Chilwell’s replacement.
With Chilwell’s uncertain future, Leicester making a move for Kaldirim seems to be a wise move. He would provide them with the much-needed depth. With his contract coming to an end with Fenerbahce, the Foxes should lure him to the King Power Stadium in the summer.
