Leicester City are close to signing Roma winger Cengiz Ünder initially on loan with an obligation to buy for €24 million, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Turkish International Cengiz Ünder Close to Joining Leicester City
The Deal
The Premier League side are said to have fought off stiff competition from teams in England and Germany, including Newcastle United and Hertha Berlin, for the Turkish international’s signature.
Brendan Rodgers’ side turned their attention to the 23-year-old after Barcelona rejected their advances for young starlet Francisco Trincão. The Foxes had an offer of €40 million rejected for the Portuguese forward a few weeks ago.
An international team-mate of Çağlar Söyüncü, Ünder has the chance to revitalise a promising career after falling out of favour with Roma manager Paulo Fonseca.
Still highly regarded in Serie A, the 23-year old winger is capped 21 times by his country. He is thought to be an overdue replacement signing for former Foxes star Riyad Mahrez. A left-footed winger, playing in off of the right, is set to fit the bill of what Rodgers is looking for.
Injury Issues
Joining from Turkish club Istanbul Basaksehir in 2017, Ünder enjoyed his debut campaign for the Giallorossi, scoring seven times in 26 appearances.
Roma are open to selling Ünder. The Turkish international made a handful of appearances last season after persistent injury problems hindered his potential.
Cengiz Ünder: A Man in Demand
Despite his injury problems and a poor run of form, interest in the Turkish international is high. Newcastle have already enquired about taking the 23-year old on loan. However, Roma are preferring a straight buy deal.
Hertha Berlin are also said to be monitoring the situation. However, with the Leicester manager keen to strengthen his attacking options, the Foxes have stolen a march on their competition, and a deal is thought to be in advanced stages for Ünder. As a result, he could join Leicester in time for their match against Burnley this weekend.
