Burnley opinion: Guven Yalcin would be a good signing for the Clarets
Based on claims from Turkish news outlet Takvim, Burnleyare keeping close tabs on Besiktas starlet Guven Yalcin, with a view to a potential transfer in the summer.
The same report adds that the Clarets are likely to face stiff competition from Bundesliga sides Wolfsburg and Freiburg in their pursuit of the 20-year-old emerging star.
Yalcin has really come of age for Besiktas in the Turkish Super Lig this season, scoring 5 goals from 18 appearances in the league and starring on the left-side of Senol Gunes’ attack.
Born in Dusseldorf, Germany, Yalcin spent his youth career at Bayer Leverkusen before joining Besiktas on a free transfer last summer and he has made an instant impact in the Turkish top flight.
The German-born, Turk-blooded prodigy chose to represent Turkey at the U17 level before switching allegiance to represent the country of his birth at the U19 level. However, he switched back to appear for Turkey at the U-20 level.
Yalcin is not yet amongst the elite list of rising talents in Europe but the 20-year-old might prove to be a useful signing for Burnley, given that he has shown plenty of promise in his first full season at senior level.
The news of club’s links with Yalcin comes shortly after the Daily Mail reported that Dwight McNeil was the subject of interest from Newcastle United, and Arsenal.
McNeil only broke into Sean Dyche’s first-team around the festive period in December but the youngster has been instrumental in Burnley’s upturn of form in the Premier League.
The 19-year-old Rochdale-born winger has been a key presence for the Clarets down the left-hand side of the pitch and has made a big impact with 3 goals and 5 assists, in what has been a remarkable breakthrough season for him at Turf Moor.
Hence, it is a no-brainer that Burnley would find themselves in a fix should he leave for a bigger club in the summer.
To put things into perspective, investing in Guven Yalcin as a like-for-like replacement for McNeil might be a risky proposition for the Clarets but it might bring a lot of rewards with it as well.
His success in Turkey hardly guarantees the same in England but Burnley would have a future star in their hands if the youngster manages to fulfill his potential.
Furthermore, he is only 20, so he would have a good resale value in the transfer market, which would enable the Clarets to cash in on him should he fail to adapt to the Premier League.
Burnley currently have Robbie Brady, Johann Berg Gudmundsson, and Aaron Lennon as viable options down the left, while Ashley Barnes and Matej Vydra are more than capable of playing out wide.
However, Burnley should start moving away from Lennon as he is clearly past his prime and has struggled for form and fitness this season. Barnes has been preferred as a striker, while Vydra and Brady have not been able to nail down a regular spot in the first-team.
It would be hard to say whether Yalcin would be an upgrade but bringing him in as a replacement for McNeil certainly makes sense. Blessed with good pace, wonderful dribbling skills, and quick acceleration.
The Turk likes to run at his opposite number with directness, while also opening up gaps in the attacking third with his subtle movement off the ball.
He knows how to use his body to hold the ball up with his back to goal, allowing him to link-up with his teammates and create chances.
Not only is he capable of beating defenders with his flair and trickery but he is equally adept at playing dangerous crosses into the area.
Known for his high levels of stamina, the youngster also has the awareness to track back and help out his defenders. Furthermore, he is a good distance shooter, with a penchant for scoring goals from outside the box.
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Burnley have done well to avoid relegation in the Premier League this season but they should aim to emulate their 2017-18 heroics next term. Having said that, they should look at players like Yalcin to propel them to greater heights.