Liverpool has intensified their pursuit of Galatasaray forward Baris Alper Yilmaz, following his impressive performances for Turkey in their UEFA Euro 2024 campaign. According to Ajansspor, via @TransferSector on X, the Reds have tabled a €30 million offer for the 24-year-old, who has three years remaining on his contract with the Turkish club. Yilmaz, who joined Galatasaray in 2021, has scored 11 goals and provided 14 assists in 108 appearances across all competitions.
Primarily playing as a right winger last season, Yilmaz netted seven goals and registered 12 assists in 55 matches. His versatility allows him to operate on either flank and even fill in as a full-back, a quality that could be highly beneficial for Liverpool’s new manager, Arne Slot. If the move goes through, it would mark Yilmaz’s first stint in club football outside of Turkey. Internationally, he has earned 20 caps for Turkey and scored two goals.
Liverpool might be eyeing Yilmaz as a potential long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah. The 32-year-old Salah, who ranks fifth on Liverpool’s all-time top scorers list with 211 goals in 349 appearances, is in the final year of his contract.
Despite Liverpool’s interest, Galatasaray president Ibrahim Hatipoglu has declared that Yilmaz is not for sale. Speaking to CNN Turk, Hatipoglu stated, “Baris Alper Yilmaz is not for sale. There are offers for many players, including Baris. We reject some without thinking. Baris is one of them. Baris is not for sale.”
Other clubs, including Brighton & Hove Albion, Manchester United, RB Leipzig, and Tottenham Hotspur, have also been linked with Yilmaz in recent weeks. However, Hatipoglu’s stance suggests that any potential move for the versatile Turkish star would face significant hurdles.
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