Liverpool and Manchester City are reportedly among the big European clubs who have sent scouts to Turkey to watch Fenerbahce star Ferdi Kadioglu. The SuperLig club admit that the defender could leave in the summer transfer window.
Kadioglu’s progress has long been monitored by several Premier League clubs. An attacking full-back, he has scored two goals and provided three assists this season.
Liverpool and City are reportedly keeping tabs on the Turkey international. His ability to play both full-back positions and in midfield would provide versatility to either club.
According to Turkish publication Aksam, Liverpool, City, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Napoli have all sent scouts to watch Kadioglu. The 24-year-old seems set to leave Fenerbahce at the end of the season.
Club president Ali Koc admitted that the star could depart. “My guess is that Ferdi Kadioglu will set sail for a new story at the end of the season,” he said earlier this year.
Kadioglu started his career at NEC Nijmegen in the Netherlands before joining Fenerbahce in 2018. He has gone on to play 182 times for the Turkish giants, scoring 16 goals and providing 20 assists.
City’s interest in Kadioglu may come down to his ability to play at full-back and in midfield. Pep Guardiola likes to have a full-back who is able to operate in the centre of the pitch when his side have possession.
Liverpool have also adopted the tactic, as too have Arsenal who separate reports have also linked with Kadioglu. However, the Gunners signed Jurrien Timber last summer and the Dutchman is nearing a return from a serious knee injury.
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool successor may seek new additions in defence. Kadioglu, who is right-footed, could join the Reds and aid Trent Alexander-Arnold’s transition into midfield, a move Liverpool’s next manager may favour.
Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas have struggled with injuries, leaving Joe Gomez to play at left-back for much of the campaign. Conor Bradley’s emergence gives them a new option at right-back.
City have predominantly used Nathan Ake, Josko Gvardiol and Manuel Akanji at left-back this season. At right-back, Kyle Walker continues to be Guardiola’s preferred option.
It is unclear if Guardiola will want to make further signings at full-back in the summer transfer window. Reports in Turkey suggest that Kadioglu could cost around £25.5m, a significant outlay for either Liverpool or City.