Turkish outlet C2 Haber (via HITC) are reporting that Newcastle are looking to make a move for Turkish defender Merih Demiral who spent last season on loan at Atalanta from Juventus.
After Atalanta failed to qualify for European competition, they have backed away from activating their buyout clause for Demiral which leaves the door open for Newcastle who could pick up the Turkish international for just over £17m. Standing at 6″4′, Demiral is definitely a unit, capped 35 times for Turkey already, the 24-year-old is a promising acquisition should the deal for Botman fail to get over the line. Although, if the quoted £17m figure is accurate, we could even bring him in alongside Botman, especially as Transfermarkt has Demiral valued at over £22m, and the report on HITC claiming his worth could be in excess of £30m.
Juventus signed Demiral from Sassuolo in 2019 on a five-year contract for €18 million becoming the first Turkish player to play for the club. Going on to represent the club 21 times in all competitions, including an impressive outing in the Champions League. That kind of top-level experience is invaluable and at such a low price, the deal seems like a no-brainer.
Demiral himself is said to be keen on the move holding a “positive view” on a move to Newcastle having been linked to a move to the Premier League in the past.
Whether this one goes anywhere remains to be seen, but reports about Demiral have been circling for a few days so this one could have legs.