Nottingham Forest are hoping to sign Antalyaspor defender Mert Yilmaz, according to a report by Calciomercato.
The right-back is available for transfer this summer and Forest have joined the race alongside Genoa and several clubs from across Europe.
Yilmaz has been with Antalyaspor since September 2020. During 2020/21 he did struggle with some injury problems, but still managed 14 appearances for the team.
Forest are in the market for some new full-backs. Jordan Gabriel played at right-back yesterday, with youngster Fin Back placed on the bench.
Gabriel did okay, although it would seem as though Chris Hughton fancies someone with a bit more experience.
Yilmaz is the same age as Gabriel and doesn’t really have much more experience of playing in men’s football than the Forest man either.
He came through the ranks in Germany, turning out for RB Leipzig and Bayern but hasn’t tasted lots of men’s football.
Antalyaspor want £1.6 million for their player who is under contract in Turkey until 2025.
Bizarre Yilmaz signing will do nothing to lift Forest spirits
Yilmaz is a talented player and he does have a bright future in the game if nurtured properly.
In Gabriel, Forest have a player of their own who could also go onto better things with a bit of coaching.
Yesterday, he showcased how he loves to fly into tackles and with better decision making he could become a decent player in the Forest ranks.
Yilmaz would represent a risk. The Reds have been burned in the European market before and ultimately they’ll want to avoid a repeat.
The Turkish performer might well be a decent player but Forest should have designs on signing better this month.
With the season now underway, any player who does arrive needs to be capable of coming in and making an immediate impact.
Whether Yilmaz is up to that remains to be seen.