Liverpool have reportedly stepped up their pursuit of Galatasaray forward Baris Alper Yilmaz. The Turkish forward featured in all five of his country's UEFA Euro 2024 matches and has seemingly caught the attention of one of Europe's biggest clubs this summer.
The Reds, as per Turkish outlet Ajansspor (via @TransferSector on X), have made a €30 million offer to sign Yilmaz, who has three years left on his contract with Gala. He joined the Turkish giants in 2021 and has since netted 11 goals and provided 14 assists in 108 games across competitions.
Yilmaz can play down either flank but predominantly featured as a right winger last season, where he racked up seven goals and 12 assists in 55 matches across competitions. He can also deputize as a full-back, which would be of added help to new Reds boss Arne Slot.
Should the move materialize, Yilmaz will be stepping out of Turkey for club football for the first time in his career. The 24-year-old also boasts 20 caps for his country, with two senior international goals to his name.
It is worth noting that Liverpool could be in need of a long-term successor to Mohamed Salah. The 32-year-old, who is the club's all-time fifth top goalscorer (211 goals in 349 matches), has entered the final year of his deal at Anfield.
Galatasaray chief sends Baris Alper Yilmaz warning to Liverpool
Baris Alper Yilmaz's stance on a potential high-profile transfer to Liverpool is yet to be known. But it seems his decision will be of no significance in this regard, at least for now, given Galatasaray president Ibrahim Hatipoglu's recent comments.
Hatipoglu has made it clear that the Turkish club will not accept any bids for their prized asset, telling CNN Turk (via Tribal Football):
"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."
Liverpool are far from being the only club who have been linked with the versatile Turkish star. Brighton & Hove Albion, Manchester United, RB Leipzig, and Tottenham Hotspur have all been reportedly monitoring his situation at Galatasaray in recent weeks.