Leeds United Locked In A Three-Way Battle For This Talented Keeper: Right Choice For Marsch? | OneFootball

In a recent report, Fanatik claimed that Leeds United are locked in a three-way battle for Trabzonspor keeper Ugurcan Cakir. It is understood that the Whites would have to rival Newcastle United and Fulham in the race to recruit the Turkey international this summer.

Cakir’s Impressive Form At The Şenol Güneş Stadium

The Antalya-born talent is having a solid campaign in Turkish football as he has continued to prove his worth as a decent keeper for Trabzonspor. Cakir has featured in 40 matches for the Turkish outfit this season, conceding 38 goals and grabbing 13 clean sheets in the process across various competitions.

The 26-year-old has performed well to average 0.7 clearances and 9.2 long balls per game in the Turkish Super Lig. He has often gone long when distributing possession from the back which explains why he has only completed 61.6% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).

Turkey’s goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir (L) clears the ball past Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo during the World Cup 2022 qualifying semi-final first leg football match between Portugal and Turkey at the Dragao stadium in Porto on March 24, 2022. (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP via Getty Images)

The 4th Official uses images provided by the following image agency:

Getty Images (https://www.gettyimages.de/)

Imago Images (https://www.imago-images.de/)

Is Cakir The Right Choice For Leeds United Head Coach Jesse Marsch?

Cakir can be a safe pair of hands in between the sticks when he is playing well on the pitch. He has got good reflexes that allow him to make a few solid stops at the back. The Turkish custodian is a decent handler of the ball as well but needs to improve his passing from inside his penalty box.

A goalkeeper of Cakir’s skillset will be a brilliant addition to Leeds United‘s squad if they can avoid relegation from the Premier League this season. He has what it takes to offer some serious competition for Illan Meslier at Elland Road in the coming seasons.

Thus, it makes sense for the Whites head coach Jesse Marsch to move in for the Trabzonspor star in this off-season. He will enhance the quality of Marsch’s match-day squad and help the Yorkshire outfit stay relevant in English football. Therefore, Cakir will be a good choice for the Whites if they can get a deal done for him ahead of the new season. However, only time will tell whether he can make a smooth transition to life in Premier League football.