---
title: "Newcastle: Magpies among clubs interested in Ozan Kabak"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/newcastle-magpies-among-clubs-interested-in-ozan-kabak/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "David Comerford"
section: "Newcastle United"
published: "2021-07-14T06:10:41Z"
modified: "2021-07-14T06:10:41Z"
---

# Newcastle: Magpies among clubs interested in Ozan Kabak

**Newcastle United are competing for the signature of former Liverpool loanee Ozan Kabak, according to [Bild](https://m.bild.de/bild-plus/sport/fussball/fussball/schalke-04-wettbieten-um-ozan-kabak-77063742,view=conversionToLogin.bildMobile.html###wt_ref=http%3A%2F%2Fsportwitness.co.uk%2F&wt_t=1626182769668).**

### The lowdown

Kabak spent the latter half of the 2020/21 season on loan at Anfield amid a centre-back injury crisis, with Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip [all out injured](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55897340).

The youngster played 13 games in total, averaging 2.9 successful aerial duels, 2.1 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and three clearances per 90 minutes in the Premier League (via [WhoScored](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/356743/Show/Ozan-Kabak)).

Though Kabak helped Liverpool pick up the points they needed to secure a top-four finish, they decided not to sign him permanently.

Newcastle have emerged as a possible destination, with centre back considered a ‘key area’ for recruitment. Celtic’s Kristoffer Ajer and Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo have also been looked at (via [The Athletic](https://theathletic.co.uk/2609231/2021/05/27/newcastle-transfer-summer-joe-willock/)).

\[freshpress-quiz id=”350937″\]

### The latest

The expectation is that the uncertainty around the future of the Turkish international will soon be resolved by a huge battle for his signature.

As well as Newcastle, Kabak is the subject of interest from Premier League teams Leicester and Crystal Palace and Ligue 1 sides OGC Nice and Rennes.

Kabak is set to choose his preferred destination, and then Schalke will enter into negotiations over a transfer fee.

They’re now hoping to pocket €15million (£12.8million) from the deal, having agreed an £18million option to buy with Liverpool back in January which the Reds deemed too much.

### The verdict

Kabak would be an outstanding signing for Newcastle. After a shaky start, he performed well for Liverpool in hugely difficult circumstances and ought to be regarded as part of the next generation of top centre-backs.

Schalke are said to be [‘financially weak’](https://twitter.com/Chris78Williams/status/1414597051237732355) after relegation, and Newcastle may well be sensing an opportunity for a mighty bargain.

Leicester may be able to offer Kabak European football and a more exciting project, but crucially, with Wesley Fofana, Caglar Soyuncu and Jonny Evans already on their books, his game-time might be limited.

He’d surely be guaranteed a fair crack at a starting spot at St James’ Park, especially if Steve Bruce opts to play a back five.

**In other news, [Newcastle have been told what to do what this promising youngster](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/newcastle-united-news/exclusive-carlton-palmer-urges-newcastle-to-loan-out-matty-longstaff-e171/).**