Left-back is arguably a priority position for Liverpool to fill this summer, and one of the names likely to be on list is Fenerbahçe left-back Caner Erkin, who continues to be scouted by Liverpool FC.
Reports last month claimed that Liverpool - and a number of other Premier League clubs - are tracking the 26-year old, and according to new reports today, the Reds had scouts in the stands to watch Erkin during Turkey's win over Sweden.
When asked recently about Premier League interest, Erkin's Agent, Batur Altıparmak, told Turkish-football.com:
"A few Premier League clubs have been scouting Caner and a few are interested, but, no offers have been made yet."
£9m-rated Caner's contract expires at the end of the season, which means he can leave for free, but according to Fenerbahçe board member Ömer Temelli, Erkin is set to extend his stay at the club:
"He [Caner] met with the president and will renew his contract at the end of the season"
In January, President Aziz Yildirim also made it clear that want to keep Caner. At a press conference in January, he told reporters:
"This season he [Erkin] is playing very well. We're happy with his performances, and want him to stay. The initial contract pay rates [for his contract] were lower than usual, but we'll get it right, and make it up to him"
Some info about Caner:
* Can play left-back or left-wing.
* Predominantly left-footed; not so good with his right.
* 26 apps for the Turkey national team.
* 130 apps for Fenerbahçe.
* Averages 38 apps per season.
* 5 major trophies so far.
* 11 assists this season for Fenerbahçe, which is the same as Luis Suarez, and one more than Steven Gerrard. Not bad for a defender.
By all accounts, Erkin seems to have a bit of a temper on him:
* NOV 2012: fined TL 20,000 for 'unsporting conduct' on the field after receiving a straight red card.
* OCT 2013: Stormed off down the tunnel after being subbed in the 38th minute of a Super Lig game. Fined €20,000 by his club.
After this incident, Technical Director Ersun Lateral warned Erskin about his conduct. He told reporters:
"We will not let anyone break the team spirit we have here. No one is indispensable"
This seems like a similar situation to the Fernando Reges contract saga; the Portuguese's contract was due to end in May, but he just signed an extension, which removes the possibility of a free transfer at the end of the season. I wouldn't be surprised to see Fenerbahçe take the same strategy with Erkin.
Aly Cissokho is putting in some steady performances at the moment, but I can't see Rodgers extending the deal in the summer, or signing him to a permanent contract.
Is Erkin - who cost Fener €3m - worth a bid...?
Author: Jaimie K
Reports last month claimed that Liverpool - and a number of other Premier League clubs - are tracking the 26-year old, and according to new reports today, the Reds had scouts in the stands to watch Erkin during Turkey's win over Sweden.
When asked recently about Premier League interest, Erkin's Agent, Batur Altıparmak, told Turkish-football.com:
"A few Premier League clubs have been scouting Caner and a few are interested, but, no offers have been made yet."
£9m-rated Caner's contract expires at the end of the season, which means he can leave for free, but according to Fenerbahçe board member Ömer Temelli, Erkin is set to extend his stay at the club:
"He [Caner] met with the president and will renew his contract at the end of the season"
In January, President Aziz Yildirim also made it clear that want to keep Caner. At a press conference in January, he told reporters:
"This season he [Erkin] is playing very well. We're happy with his performances, and want him to stay. The initial contract pay rates [for his contract] were lower than usual, but we'll get it right, and make it up to him"
Some info about Caner:
* Can play left-back or left-wing.
* Predominantly left-footed; not so good with his right.
* 26 apps for the Turkey national team.
* 130 apps for Fenerbahçe.
* Averages 38 apps per season.
* 5 major trophies so far.
* 11 assists this season for Fenerbahçe, which is the same as Luis Suarez, and one more than Steven Gerrard. Not bad for a defender.
By all accounts, Erkin seems to have a bit of a temper on him:
* NOV 2012: fined TL 20,000 for 'unsporting conduct' on the field after receiving a straight red card.
* OCT 2013: Stormed off down the tunnel after being subbed in the 38th minute of a Super Lig game. Fined €20,000 by his club.
After this incident, Technical Director Ersun Lateral warned Erskin about his conduct. He told reporters:
"We will not let anyone break the team spirit we have here. No one is indispensable"
This seems like a similar situation to the Fernando Reges contract saga; the Portuguese's contract was due to end in May, but he just signed an extension, which removes the possibility of a free transfer at the end of the season. I wouldn't be surprised to see Fenerbahçe take the same strategy with Erkin.
Aly Cissokho is putting in some steady performances at the moment, but I can't see Rodgers extending the deal in the summer, or signing him to a permanent contract.
Is Erkin - who cost Fener €3m - worth a bid...?
Author: Jaimie K
really want to beef the squad up with Remy (8million), Lallana (15million + allen), Momo Sissokho (12million) that swiss left back and Roberto Firmino (15million). squad will have overall stronger look and look good on paper
ReplyDeleteDoubt we are going to be sniffing around this guy when CL football can attract top end players. Who has ever even heard of this Erkin guy?
ReplyDeleteRemy and Lalana are not going to happen so scratch them off your list.
ReplyDeleteMomo Sissoko? Are you serious?
Roberto Firmino is a player some have hardly even heard of or even seen him play.
We will sign a central midfielder and a LB. If Johnson leaves then we most probably will replace him so possibly another RB.
Attack wise, we will have Borini, Suso and Ibe back from loan. Aspas and Alberto might still be here next season too. That is 5 players who's futures are still unclear. We will sign another forward (Konoplyanka) or similar type of player but do not expect big money being spent on our attack. With Suarez and Sturridge being automatic starters, I highly doubt a player like Remy will be happy to sit on the bench.
For free no problem. If he signs a new contract then he's not coming, which wouldn't sadden me for a decond
ReplyDeleteHe has already signed for Rome
ReplyDeletewhy will he sit on the bench if were playing on 4 fronts? remy can be bought for 8m. hes got a release clause. Lallana is a very good player who can fit in and help Liverpool. ok maybe not Sissokho but if i said Rakitic you would say im mad. and you dont know about Firmino because you dont watch Bundesliga, but hes very similar to Oscar. very similar, they both LIKE to press the ball despite having excellent attacking qualities.
ReplyDeleteWell mate, we will wait for the summer transfer window and you will see that Remy and Lallana will not be signing for LFC and there will be many more unknown/unheard of players that will be linked with LFC from now till the next transfer window ends not forgetting that there have already been loads!
ReplyDeletewith the supposed 60M budget
ReplyDeleteKonoplyanka-15M
Lars Bender-15M
Micah richards- 8M
Ricardo Rodriguez-12M
plus borini, suso back from loan
Total= 50M
Why don't we look closer to home for fast, disciplined FBs? Why go to some league tha
ReplyDeleteGreat then we can waste tjhe remaining £10 on two players for positions we've already got enough cover for then lend them out just to annoy Jaimie.
ReplyDeleteokay then tell me which position do we need to strengthen?
ReplyDeleteDont tell me CB's -_-