Exclusive: Liverpool keeping a close eye on four Galatasaray talents as European scouts flock to Istanbul 🧐
Two, in particular, have reportedly impressed Liverpool's recruitment team
Liverpool remain keen on bolstering their midfield department with serious quality come the summer window at the latest.
That isn't stopping the Reds from keeping a close eye on talents in other positions who could add something to the squad going forward.
Four Galatasaray stars - Sacha Boey (right-back), Victor Nelsson (centre-half), Yunus Akgün (right-wing/No.10) and Muhammed Kerem Aktürkoğlu (left-wing) - are said to have caught the eyes of our recruitment team, according to a tweet from Yakup Çınar.
We spoke to the Fanatik journalist in question to get a better idea of who specifically interests Julian Ward and Co. and what they could offer.
Catch the full Q&A below:
1) You mentioned that Liverpool were watching four of Galatasaray’s stars in the Konyaspor match. Did any of the group catch our scouts’ eyes in particular?
Sacha Boey and [Victor] Nelsson catch your attention. But they will continue to watch all four players. Sacha Boey gives the best performance of the season in Turkey. There is a possibility that he will go to the French national team. Nelson will go to the World Cup with Denmark.
2) Could you tell us a bit about each of their playing styles and what they would bring to a Premier League side?
Sacha Boey: Too fast. Physically very strong. Product of Rennes' infrastructure. He has surprise shots. A fullback who contributes to the score. He was born in 2000 and promises a great future.
Nelsson: He's a tough defender. He is not very tall, but in defense he dominates the air balls. Nordic and cold-blooded. Open to development. His feet are not very good, but he is trying to cover it with his strength.
Yunus Akgün: He is one of the greatest talents that Turkish football has grown in recent years. He is very smart and reflects this intelligence on his football. He has the ability to play on the right wing and is number 10. His last shot is as good as Michael Owen. The man can pull off and is a very technical football player.
Yunus Akgün (R) contests the ball in an U21s game between Belgium and Turkey
Kerem Aktürkoğlu: Very fast. Sometimes they can be fatal hits. They have deficiencies in infrastructure education. He can think. One-on-one there is no player he can't beat. We will hear more of his name in the future.
3) Is Galatasaray’s style of football compatible with Liverpool’s? Would any of the four struggle to transition to life under Jurgen Klopp were we to make an offer at some point in the future?
Liverpool and Galatasaray are two great teams. They are playing a great team game. I think they will follow Yunus and Sacha more closely. They can make an offer to either of these two players in the future.
4) How are their individual seasons going?
Sacha was not considered for the team at the start of the season but has already cut Leo Dubois from Lyon. He's having a great season. Galatasaray is currently playing for the top and Kerem and Yunus' performances are being discussed, but they have the ability to do much more. Nelson's performance this season has been great. Galatasaray is experiencing the season with the least goals conceded in the last five seasons.
5) Which of the four do you think has the brightest future?
Definitely Yunus and Sacha Boey. Both are 22 years old. Yunus had scored over 100 goals in the infrastructure. Over time, they will surpass these performances.
6) Is there much in the way of interest from other clubs? Or were Liverpool the only club to send scouts?
Udinese and Hellas Verona wanted Sacha Boey at the start of the season. It is followed by the important teams of Europe. Yunus, Kerem and Nelsson are the players that European Clubs sent scouts and had them watched.
7) What sort of asking price would Liverpool be looking at for any of the players?
There is a €25m release clause in Nelsson's contract. Yunus demands at least €15m for Kerem and Sacha Boey. Galatasaray wants to win the European Cup again. These players are the names that will form the basis of the team. That's why they won't go cheap.
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