Who is Sheffield United target Emirhan Topçu? | OneFootball

Sheffield United are going to need to be active in this summer window. Whilst not many players left due to contract expiry. The number of loan players leaving has left the squad light. Plus, the looming threat of bids for some of the best talent in the squad from the Premier League and Europe.

The area with the most need for reinforcements, regardless of further outgoings, is centre-back. With just Jack Robinson, Anel Ahmedhodzic and Jamal Baptiste still on the first-team books. The latest link, Emirhan Topçu, coming from A Bila Sports, could be one solution to the issue. With the Blades reportedly preparing to table an offer.

But who is he, and what could he offer? That’s what we look to answer today.

Academy Days

Topçu began his career at Çaykur Rizespor joining in 2012. If Rizepor seem familiar that’s where Blades goalkeeper spent time on loan this season.

Topçu spent six years in the academy before graduating in 2018. With nine appearances for the first team between 2017-2020. Whilst playing his final season with the U21s where he got four goals in just 12 games.

Loans

In February 2020, Topçu joined Čelik Zenica on loan in the Bosnia and Herzegovina First League. He made his debut on 7 March 2020, his only appearance for the club. Whilst, the league fell to playing behind closed doors due to COVID.

He then joined Menemenspor or Menemen FK as they are currently known in 2020-2021. He played 15 times for the second league Turkish club.

Two Seasons at Rizespor

In 2021-2022, Topçu made 12 Super Lig appearances for Rizespor. A promising start where his duels won percentage (65.8%) placing him in the 91st percentile for his position. Proving that he could compete against forwards at the top flight level.

He also had an 80% success dribble rate showcasing his ability to play out from the back.

In 2022-2023, he made 32 appearances for Rizespor getting a goal and two assists. In 2023-2024, he continued with 32 more appearances for Rizespor getting one goal and a further four assists.

He completed 65.2% of his tackles and won 58% of his duels and aerial duels. In possession, he was fairly comfortable with a pass accuracy of 78.5% but he was better at short range. With his long ball accuracy of just 47.6%. Surprisingly, he created an impressive 19 chances, placing him in the 100th percentile for Super Lig centre-backs.

The two consistent seasons saw him make the move from Rizespor to one of Turkey’s biggest sides. As Topçu moved to Besiktas.

Moving to Besiktas

Last season, Emirhan Topçu joined Besiktas on a four-year deal. He made 28 league appearances for Besiktas getting another goal to his name.

Most importantly, the move to Besiktas allowed Topçu to test himself in European football. As he made eight Europa League appearances. Even getting assist against Malmo. His debut in the Europa League came in a 1-0 win against Lyon.

Statistically

In the league, Topçu had a strong season statistically playing mainly as a centre-back. But also as a left-back.

Defensively, he won 58.5% of his duels placing him among the average for defenders in the top division.

Where he was most impressive was on the ball. He had a dribble success rate of 80% and won 15 fouls from the opposition. Topçu was only dispossessed once all season. He also had a great pass accuracy of 83.4% and completed 917 total passes.

Silverware

Topçu helped Besiktas to win the 2024 Turkish Super Cup the tenth in the club’s history. It added to his previous silverware from the small role he played in Rizespor’s Second Division title in 2017-2018.

International Recognition

After previously appearing for Turkey’s U21s in qualification matches for the UEFA U21 Euros. His move to Besiktas saw him recognised by the men’s team.

Topçu made his senior national team debut for Turkey on 6 September 2024 coming on in the 90th minute against Wales. The game ended 0-0.

He followed it up with a start against Montenegro where he was subbed off at half time. With the game finishing as a 3-1 defeat for Turkey.

Takeaways

If the offer reportedly being prepared is placed and accepted the Blades would be getting a fairly young player with a good amount of experience. There will be natural comparisons to Anel Ahmedhodzic who was a similar age when he joined the Blades. As well as having European experience.

Topçu appears to be a player that is on a strong trajectory in Turkish football reaching the heights of Besiktas. If he comes to the Blades it will be interesting to see if he can translate his form to the EFL.